Overview
It is within this context that The Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR presents The World Is Round, a new theatrical audio piece written and directed by Arthur Yorinks.
Video Webcast
You can also stream the performance here at 5pm ET.
The Story
The story unfolds as a mother attempts to put her daughter to sleep, and they both take a trip around the world with tales and traditional folklore from across the globe, dramatized in both words and pictures. From Africa to India, from Haiti to Denmark, these stories illuminate both the diversity and commonality of the human spirit.
The performance culminates with a sneak peek from an original opera by Israeli composer Ronnie Reshef with a performance by a chorus of New York City public school students under the direction of award-winning composer Edward Barnes. The performance features original pen and ink illustrations by multimedia artist Caroline LaDouce.
The Cast
The play will be performed by a stellar cast of actors that includes Linda Powell, Steve Mellor, Jennifer Van Dyck and brothers Jason Dirden and Brandon Dirden.
The Author
Arthur Yorinks is the author of more than 35 children’s books, including Caldecott Medal winner Hey, Al, in collaboration with illustrators that include Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Mort Drucker, David Small, and Richard Egielski. He has written and directed over 40 original audio plays performed live at The Kennedy Center, The Henry Street Playhouse, The Jacob Burns Film Center, and The New Victory Theater in New York City as well as other venues across the country. Yorinks’ previous audio works Dubliners: A Quartet (2014), Their Eyes Were Watching God (2012), and The Invisible Man (2009) all premiered at The Greene Space.
Special thanks to Ida Pearle for use of artwork from her new book The Moon is Going to Addy’s House (Penguin).
Additional Performances