Rich in magical surprises and mechanical ingenuity, inventive puppetry and exuberant folk music, Tea at the Palace is a sumptuous retelling of two stories told in old Russia about justice, humanity and compassion. In the first, a peasant finds a samovar in his field, but when he uses it to make tea “just like the Tsar” he is charged with treason. In the second, the Tsar is introduced to a wise and intriguing peasant girl, which scandalizes the courtiers who plot to thwart their friendship. Full of riddles, ritual and humour this play is both relevant and enchanting.
Directed by Sharon Weisbaum, designed, built and performed by Ann Powell and David Powell, music created by David Anderson and Nuno Cristo.
DETAILS
- For family audiences: enjoyed by all ages, 5 to 105.
- For school group theatre outings: Grades K – 8 (NOTE: not available/feasible for in-school performance)
- Maximum audience 300, with a well raked house
- Approximately 50 minutes, with optional post-performance Q & A.
We regret that this production is not available for in-school performances
Length of performance: 60 minutes
Age of audience:
- Family audiences: School age and up (Optimum 8 to 12 years)
- School audiences (in a theatre venue): Kindergarten to grade 8. (Optimum grades 4 though 6)
Maximum audience size:
- 250 seated on the floor in a flat hall
- or up to 350 with raked seating
Performing area: Minimum: 7m wide x 7m deep x 4m high
(20’ wide x 20’ deep x 10’ ceiling)
Note: Can not be performed on a carpeted or rubber floor.
Set Up & Strike
- Set up time: One and a half hours (post flight, 3 hours)
- Take out time: One and a half hours (pre flight out, 3 hours)
- An additional 2 hours may be required for light hang in theatres.
Sound: Mini Disc or CD player required, and cassette for pre-show.
Personnel : 2 performers and 1 technical director
Freight (if required) : The set and props pack into six crates:
- Total weight 692 KG
- Total volume 77 cubic meters
