THE BIG DIPPER:
Calendar, Compass & Clock

What is the most familiar star pattern in the sky?

 

The Big Dipper is seen by more than half the world¹s population. It can be used to tell time, to keep track of the Seasons, and to guide our way at night. Our earliest ancestors were familiar with many star patterns. They gave them names and told stories about them that helped explain their every day lives.

With over two dozen beautifully crafted marionettes and twice as many shadow images, Red Herring Puppets has created a spectacular production which explores diverse cultural legends and scientific facts about the Big Dipper.

Egyptian priests donned themselves in leopard robes symbolizing the night sky and held an adze in the shape of the Big Dipper when conducting ceremonies that released a mummified body into the afterlife. From their perspective, the constellation never disappeared from the night sky and thus symbolized eternity. The Vikings called it a wagon because it traveled around the sky; in China it was the Emperor¹s chariot; in England it is known as a plough while Hindus in India saw it as seven wise men. Through the Underground Railway, Southern slaves followed the drinking gourd to find freedom in the North. Diverse peoples have called these stars by different names based on their own cultural understanding; but the stars that we see are the same.

Stories include:

Master Loshi grades papers for the Imperial Exam

A Chinese legend describes how K¹uei, an ugly dwarf won the coveted Golden Rose for literature; but when the Emperor saw his face he dropped the rose which shattered into pieces. K¹uei¹s tears almost drown him, but he is redeemed by Ao, the sea dragon who lifts him into the heavens to become one of the stars on the chariot of Wen Ch¹ang, the God of Literature.


Harriet Tubman guiding slaves to freedom

Southern slaves sang a song called ³Follow the Drinking Gourd² whose lyrics sheltered directions for the dangerous journey North to freedom by following the Big Dipper in the sky. A local black artist C.J. Randall has painted beautiful scrolling scenery that expresses the long journey. Cut-out two dimensional marionettes perform in front.

Callisto pledges obedience to Artemis

The classic Greek legend recounts the story of Callisto, a maiden in the service of Artemis who is tricked by Zeus. She gives birth to Arcas before Artemis turns her into a bear and thrusts her into the heavens. Zeus then transforms Arcas into the Little Bear so they can be together.


Birds Pursue a Bear

A Micmac Indian legend tells the story of birds pursuing a bear. From their high latitude in Northern Canada, some of the stars disappear in winter, and thus some of the birds fall away on the hunt. The bear is finally caught in the Fall when the leaves turn red and the ³sky bear² has fallen on her back.

"You present the concepts of the seasons and night sky astronomy in a fascinating and clear manner that will kindle prolonged curiosity and interest. Keep making education so much fun!"
Bernard Arghiere - Local Astronomer

For more information or to book a performance contact Lisa at (828) 628-9576 or email Lisa at Lisa@redherringpuppets.com.

This project has been partially funded by a grant from the Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund.