This Theatre Kids online performance is recommended for students, third through seventh Grade
Beyond the Walls is a virtual performance of stage play Layer the Walls, exploring stories of a tenement apartment in New York City that was once home to hundreds of new immigrants in three episodes. Using Shadow and Bunraku puppetry, along with masks, the stories of Irish, Italian, and Jewish families are brought together like never seen before.
Each episode includes:
- An artist introduction that provides context for the excerpt and poses initial questions.
- An excerpt from the Layer the Walls stage performance.
- Post excerpt conversation/Q&A. The artists will discuss some of the questions often asked by audience members, allowing a deeper dive into the content.
Episode One: Jimmy’s Story (25 minutes) - Jimmy McKenna from Ireland battles job discrimination and finds work on the Brooklyn Bridge; told with Bunraku puppetry. Episode Guide
Episode Two: Marco’s Story (20 minutes) - Marco Branzini, an Italian fisherman resists assimilation and survives the Great Blizzard of 1888; portrayed with Italian half masks. Episode Guide
Episode Three: Goldine’s Story (20 minutes) - Goldine Zuckerman, a Jewish garment worker joins The Uprising of 20,000 to strike for safer working conditions; utilizes Shadow Puppetry. Episode Guide
Teacher Resource - Preparing for Episodes
Access to the performance is $50 per classroom (11 to 50 students) and $10 per homeschool group (1 to 10 students). Fees will be waived for Title I schools and qualifying nonprofit organizations.
Please complete this ONLINE FORM to register.
Note: This event is for educational purposes only and cannot be published online or shared with others. Contact the box office at 480-782-2680 for additional information or questions.
