Richmond school staging "Thousand Cranes" on March 31/April 1

Submitted by Amy Brentano, director, 413-698-2294
abrentano@rnetworx.com

Richmond Consolidated School in Richmond, MA is producing Kathryn Schultz Miller's play, "A Thousand Cranes" on March 31st at 7PM andApril 1st at 3PM and 7PM. The performances are at the school and tickets will be available at the door and cost $.5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children and seniors.

The play, a multiple award winner, is based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki. She lived in Japan during WWII and became ill from her exposure to the atomic bomb. In the script, her best friend tells her of an ancient emperor spirit who will grant her wish of health and peace in the world if she folds one thousand origami cranes. With determination she begins to fold, but dies before her task is completed.

Her classmates, inspired by her courage and dreams, finish the cranes and have a monument built in her honor. The statue stands in Hiroshima Peace Park today. The play is filled with music, movement, and beautiful imagery. It is a forum for the students to present their hopes and dreams for their future. The ensemble format of the play and Japanese flavor expose the children to new visions of theatre and culture.

Local businesses are participating in a fund-raiser toward the play's expenses by sponsoring cranes in blocks of ten for $20 each. The cranes will boast the name of the business and a one-line message of peace and goodwill. After the production, the school will donate the garland of one thousand cranes to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.