Booking now for October / November 2008

This South American folktale, told in simple Spanish for 6 –10 year olds (school years 2 - 6), was an unprecedented success when it toured North East schools in May 2007.

A charming tale set in the mountains of the Andes, La Pelota Mágica is vividly told through live action, puppetry and music. This is a story of the love between a brother and sister, triumph over adversity and the special bond between humanity and nature.

When Luis and Natalia, playing near their home in the foothills of the Andes, see a beautiful, shimmering ball, they decide to chase after it. However, the enchanted ball belongs to the cold-eyed witch of the mountains! When Natalia is trapped by the witch’s magic Luis must race against time to save her, with the help of an old man and the birds of the Andes…

This production is an engaging introduction to the Spanish language for younger children. La Pelota Mágica is Théâtre Sans Frontières’ first production in Spanish for school pupils and on its pilot tour to schools was performed to over 1300 children, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both teachers and pupils. Drama is an excellent and proven way to introduce modern languages to younger children and Théâtre Sans Frontières’ engaging productions are hugely popular with teachers aiming to introduce modern foreign languages into the curriculum in line with government initiatives.

A CD Rom with music and lyrics will be available for schools so children can learn the songs and join in with the show. It also contains further information for teachers, including a vocabulary list, plot synopsis (in English and Spanish) and song lyrics, all of which will be downloadable from www.tsf.org.uk. It is also possible to offer pre-show workshops so that children can practice the songs and learn some key vocabulary in a fun and entertaining way.

“Use of music and scenery brought play to life. Attention to the very last detail. Fantastic performance enjoyed by everyone. ” Teacher, Christ Church Primary School, Newcastle

“It made new language fun and exciting. Both children and staff thought it was a great performance.” Teacher, Holy Trinity Rosehill CE Primary School, Stockton-on-Tees

“Fantastic experience for children – brilliant inclusion of puppets, songs, scenery and live action.” Teacher, Amble Links School, Amble

“The songs are ¡fantastico! Lovely tunes, repetitive and easy to learn.” Teacher, Farne Primary School, Newcastle

Touring theatres throughout the UK in autumn 2008. Watch this space for tour dates. If you are a programmer, specific information for theatres is available for this show.
Please contact Helen Green Tel: 01434 652484 or email: helen@tsf.org.uk

Click here for a theatre information pack for La Pelota Mágica