2021

A collaboration between Keys Meadow Primary School & Scarabeus Aerial Theatre.

A child of stories

Inspired by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston’s A Child of Books and Anthony Browne’s The Tunnel, together with traditional stories from the cultures of the children at Keys Meadow Primary School. A Child of Stories invites you to join brother and sister Maya and Kwame on an unexpected journey which requires all of their courage and bravery.  

Bored because they have not been at school for months, whilst the world is stricken by a pandemic, Maya and Kwame bicker and bicker. Mum and Dad send them out to play. Little do they know that Kwame will get lost in a dark tunnel whilst chasing a ball, which will lead him to be captured and imprisoned in a suspended cage, frozen by fear and nearly eaten by fierce wolves. Maya, helped by her Auntie, who happens to be a very smart witch, will have to summon all her courage to find Kwame in the scary forest full of noises and perils. They will fight the bad wolves together with the caring witches and wizards who come to their rescue. Once safely back at home, Maya and Kwame have learned to rejoice in each other’s company. But are they really safe…   

Created with Keys Meadow Year 5 Eagles & Owls pupils, who took leading roles in performing, filming and marketing this new short film. Each group has been working with professional artists, including circus performers/directors, filmmakers, costume designers and arts marketing experts. 

Supported using public funding Arts Council England.

Check out Artistic Director Daniela Essart’s Case Study of the project Family Arts Campaign.

Image by Daniela Essart, video by Lucy Whitehead and Chloë Plumb.