Only From Linnaea
General - Linnaea School Musicals
Star Tales was originally conceived while planning to our school wide theme study of Astronomy. Since time began, people have looked to the stars for inspiration, and meaning for life's mysteries. The stars have guided travelers to new destinations and inspired poets and philosophers and theologians to put words to the meaning of life.
Through introducing children to the stories of the stars from different cultures and times we broaden their understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity of humanity. When Donna Bracewell was writing Star Tales , our world was being caught up in a sense of fear and hostility, directed largely at Arabic and Muslim peoples. In her research, she learned about the significant contribution to astronomy that was made by the Persian people and as a small step towards understanding and peace made our central character of Mahpari, a beautiful and wise woman from that time and place.
"I was named by a great people. They were among the first of the true astronomers. In ancient Persia were found the greatest astronomers that ever lived. These ancient middle eastern astronomers built observatories, measured distances between stars, and even drew up accurate almanacs that told when eclipses would occur and where planets would appear. But, they saw and understood the holiness of the heavens in the night skies. Sadly, Scientists since have too often loved truth more than life to truly understand what it is that they see."
Spoken by Mahpari, Fairy of the Moon in Act I, Scene One
The play Star Tales teaches life lessons from many world cultures; North American First Nations, India, Aztec, Australian Aborigine, Norse, Greek, African, Japanese and Western European mythology. Each tale can stand alone as a mini play or any combination can be presented for a longer production.
Sample Songs
"No One Child" (3.5MB)
"Finale:Mapari/The Rising of the Sun" (2.5MB)
"Mother Help! A Bear!" (1.5MB)
Through introducing children to the stories of the stars from different cultures and times we broaden their understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity of humanity. When Donna Bracewell was writing Star Tales , our world was being caught up in a sense of fear and hostility, directed largely at Arabic and Muslim peoples. In her research, she learned about the significant contribution to astronomy that was made by the Persian people and as a small step towards understanding and peace made our central character of Mahpari, a beautiful and wise woman from that time and place.
"I was named by a great people. They were among the first of the true astronomers. In ancient Persia were found the greatest astronomers that ever lived. These ancient middle eastern astronomers built observatories, measured distances between stars, and even drew up accurate almanacs that told when eclipses would occur and where planets would appear. But, they saw and understood the holiness of the heavens in the night skies. Sadly, Scientists since have too often loved truth more than life to truly understand what it is that they see."
Spoken by Mahpari, Fairy of the Moon in Act I, Scene One
The play Star Tales teaches life lessons from many world cultures; North American First Nations, India, Aztec, Australian Aborigine, Norse, Greek, African, Japanese and Western European mythology. Each tale can stand alone as a mini play or any combination can be presented for a longer production.
Sample Songs
"No One Child" (3.5MB) "Finale:Mapari/The Rising of the Sun" (2.5MB) "Mother Help! A Bear!" (1.5MB)