CODE GREEN
T H E I N S T I T U T E O F P U P P E T R Y A R T S P R E S E N T S
Enhancing Awareness of Species at Risk
Background: CODE GREEN is an interactive theatre piece aimed at enhancing awareness of species at risk in Nova Scotia. Created through extensive consultation with Dr. Sherman Boates of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, the show introduces students to four species at risk in the Province: the thread-leaved sundew, the piping plover, the woodland caribou and the Blanding’s turtle. Striking handcrafted puppets are used demonstrate the behavior and habitat of each species, along with the obstacles threatening their survival. Video, slides, original music and an evocative sound design complete the truly multi-media experience. The imaginative set is an immersive landscape that surrounds the audience on all sides, allowing every student a front-row seat and establishing an intimate relationship to the highly detailed puppets.
The performance is narrated and performed by Brennan Caverhill, a passionate conservation biologist with an MSc in Biology from Acadia University. His extensive field work and passion for education are reflected in his thoughtful and entertaining commentary on the show. He is joined by three spirited puppeteers, all graduates of ANIMOTION, the Institute of Puppetry Arts professional training program.
The show was first produced in the Spring of 2006 with assistance from The Craig Foundation and touring support from ALIANT.
May 2007 Tour:
Puppeteers Jen Wende, Struan Robertson and Catherine Crocker joined Brennan Caverhill for a highly successful second run of CODE GREEN, made possible with the generous support of ALIANT. The Maritime-region tour featured forty- presentations and delighted for more than 4400 spectators in diverse, venues, The show traveled to schools in Digby, Shelburne, Halifax, Pictou and Colchester Counties, while students from five schools from Hants and Kings Counties s participated in performances at the Institute’s home venue, the Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre. For many, their visit to the Centre provided a first-time theatre experience.
For the first time, the Mermaid Institute of Puppetry Arts was able to offer nine presentations at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John, NB, and five at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax. These occasions provided a unique opportunity for families to share an arts activity, which was both entertaining and informative. The response from both presenters and audiences was entirely positive.
A highlight was the Institute’s presentation of CODE GREEN at the opening session of an international gathering at Acadia University on May 21st, 2007, which welcomed members of SAMPAA - the Society for Administrators and Managers of Protected Areas. A central theme for the conference was the incorporation of the arts in the teaching of science and environmental issues. The Institute’s production was, accordingly was ideally suited for inclusion. More than 250 youngsters, parents, scholars and scientists attended the session at the Festival Theatre in Wolfville, NS. Distinguished guests were most gracious in their praise, particularly John Tanzer, Executive Director of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and Christopher Minty, Officer of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. Both expressed interest in possible future collaborations in which environmental concerns are considered.
Further touring for CODE GREEN is anticipated, either in its present form or with the inclusion of additional material.
ALIANT SUPPORTS CODE GREEN TOUR
Vernon Snair, Regional Manager for ALIANT, is welcomed on stage at the Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre on Monday, April 30th. The occasion marked the opening presentation of Mermaid Institute of Puppetry Arts’ unique environmental production, CODE GREEN. Generous assistance from ALIANT in the amount of $10,000 enabled the company of four to present 45 performances in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick throughout the month of May 2007.
