The students of Children's
Theatre Workshop cavorted, slithered and jumped across stage as they
presented segments in the life of an Algonquin Princess. Pocahontas,
the Princess who befriended the early English settlers of Jamestown
and became one of the first true peacemakers of America. A young girl
changed history at that moment, despite objections from her family and
her tribe. Chloe Mockensturm and K.C. Schardt aptly portrayed the emotions
felt by the young Native American girl as she communicated with her
friends of the forest and settlement.
Not only did the CTW students
learn that the Disney script is only one way to look at the story of
Pocahontas, they also absorbed many of the customs, studied the living
conditions and learned about the very spiritual aspect of the Native
Americans. They ably represented settlers, Native Americans and very
endearing animals.
Audiences were thrilled with
the colorful and versatile set. Without leaving the stage, one's eye
could travel from the Algonquin village, through the forest, past the
pond and over to the English settlement. Mr. Tansey used bright colors,
and an interesting array of trees and wildlife, a birch bark longhouse
and more captivated young and old alike.
