Theatre Raymond Kabbaz to Present Tears of Joy Theatre's MALIKA, QUEEN OF THE CATS, 11/14

The performance space at Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, is pleased to present Malika, Queen of the Cats, a puppet theatre performance by Portland-based Tears of Joy Theatre, on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Malika, Queen of Cats is an artful rendition of a classic Palestinian folktale about the power of giving. The performance is full of fun, with humor and sight gags for children and adults alike to enjoy. The hour-long story features a benevolent royal cat, decked out in a jeweled headdress and colorful Arabic garb, that dispenses magic to the worthy.The show will start at 7:30pm and will take place at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90064 (310.286.0553). Malika, Queen of the Cats is designed for students of all grade levels. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.Tickets can be purchased here. Learn more about the prodcution here. For information about Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, please visit www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com.

Malika, Queen of Cats uses a traditional Palestinian fairy tale to introduce young audience members to Middle Eastern culture and the power of giving to others. As the story goes, a kind and generous old woman named Sitti, who once upon a time lived in Palestine, rescued a small kitten from a tree. The thankful kitten introduces the woman to a group of brightly-colored and entertaining talking cats, led by Malika, the Queen of the Cats. The grateful cats reward the woman for her good deed, but conflict arises from there. See more background material in the curriculum guide here.

The puppet play is based on the book Sitti and the Cats, written by Sally Bahous, who grew up in Palestine. Adapted by Nancy Aldrich, Tears of Joy's Artistic Director, the story takes place hundreds of years ago when Palestine was part of a large empire (prior to current boundaries in the Middle East).

Cats are important creatures in Islamic culture. According to one story, Muhammad, the founder of the religion of Islam, was so fond of cats that when one fell asleep on the sleeve of his shirt, he cut off the sleeve rather than wake the cat.

Malika, Queen of the Cats will be performed using rod puppets. The puppeteers, who are not seen, will sit on stools as they operate puppets held above their heads. Some shadow puppets will be used in the cave of the cats.

The Middle Eastern music that accompanies Malika, Queen of the Cats, was composed and recorded by Al Andalus Ensemble. The group specializes in music of the Middle East and tours extensively to schools as well. They use two special instruments: the oud (a stringed instrument that preceded the guitar) and the tabla (a drum).