Providence Community Library Hosts Award-winning Puppet Theater Artists

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - April 24, 2014 - PRLog -- The children of Providence have a rare opportunity to enjoy the talents of two internationally recognized puppet artists.  Carmen Rodríguez Fara Madrigal and Jesús del Castillo Rodríguez, both from Matanzas, Cuba, will read stories, demonstrate traditional puppet-making techniques and perform  shows at a series of events at Providence Community Library (PCL) over the next month.

On April 26  at Knight Memorial Library (275 Elmwood Ave.; 2:00p.m. to 4:30p.m.), the puppeteers will read their book “Teatro para Niños” and lead  fun activities based on three puppet show characters. On May 1 and May 8 at Wanskuck Library (233 Veazie St.; 5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m.), the performers will teach children how to make their own traditional Cuban puppets (suitable for 8 years and up). A final performance, utilizing  puppets made at the two workshops, will take place on May 10 at 2:00p.m. at Knight Memorial Library. The workshops/performances will be in Spanish and English.

Additionally, Jesús del Castillo Rodríguez’ award-winning play “Deporte Nationale” will be performed while the playwright is in Providence.  The play, which explores the Cubans’ passion for baseball, won a theater prize last year in a competition sponsored by the Cuban Cultural Association of Rhode Island and Providence Community Library. Performances are scheduled for April 24, 25 and 26, 2014 at the ECAS Theater, Broad Street, Providence (https://www.facebook.com/pages/ECAS-Theater-Inc/186280628...).

For more information, visit www.provcomlib.org/cubanpuppets .

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The April 26 appearance is part of a celebration at Knight Memorial of the work of young bilingual authors who took part in PCL’s annual “Día de Los Niños; Día De Los Libros” story writing  contest.

Carmen Rodríguez Fara Madrigal is an award-winning theater, radio and televisión performer. Presenter of the television programs “Atrapando Espacios” and “Barquito de Papel,” Fara Madrigal has also toured internationally with theatrical groups, including Teatro Cubano Miron and the Temtempié company.
Bringing to life characters such as Dragonfly, Pelusin del Monte and Cecelia Valdes, her puppet theater repertoire includes classic titles such as Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood, The Ugly Duckling and Pinocchio.

An award-winning writer of over 30 plays for children, Jesús del Castillo Rodríguez has been Director of the Temtempié Theater Company since 1994.  As a television screenwriter, he has written more than 500 scripts for the popular children’s show “Barquito de Papel.”