Aanika’s Elephants is the story of a young Kenyan girl who meets a baby elephant (Little) at the orphanage where her father works.  They grow together the way only two young girls can, even if one has a trunk.  When Aanika’s father dies (gently presented with gloves and hat removed by elephant trunks), she becomes the ward of an uncle who wants her to quit school to cook and clean for him.  She flees into the bush making one final farewell to Little.  Camping that night in the bush the way her father taught her, she is frightened by crashing branches and discovers Little has followed her.  They become a herd of two, working together to survive and steer clear of humanity.  Adopted by a small herd of elephants, Aanika learns their very beautiful, civil ways.  She is finally tested when she must save her new family from poachers.

It’s a story that shows how family can be anything -- a beloved, widowed father or even a herd of elephants. The audience can use their imaginations to fill in the large rattan-framed elephants, adorable baby elephant and people represented by just hats and gloves.  With music, a variety of puppets and humor, Aanika’s Elephants entertains and educates both adults and children on the plight of the elephant and our world.

AANIKA’S ELEPHANTS HAS BEEN DEVELOPED

WITH SUPPORT FROM

Jim Henson Foundation, Ridgefield Theater Barn, Tryon Fine Arts Center, and Center for Puppet Arts

This production originated at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Aanika' Elephants is presented by Feisty Elephant, Pam Arciero Productions and Little Shadow Productions

Jimmica Collins leads our very experienced cast as Aanika. She guides us through the story playing herself at ages 10 and 12.  The puppeteers play all the other characters from huge elephants, an evil uncle to a trap door spider.  Two live musicians add an underscore of sounds and drumming.