by Park [email protected]
The literary and performing arts are wonderful ways to
raise awareness of animal issues. It is easy to see the influence of
movies like Bambi, Babe and Chicken Run. It was a fictional novel, Upton
Sinclair's The Jungle (1906), which prompted government investigation of
meatpacking plants and reformed the food laws of that time. Works of
poetry and music have inspired many to live more compassionately. Live
theatre is also a powerful vehicle for spreading our animal concerns.
Norman Wall is an English playwright who has formed
touring groups in England and Sweden. While in Sweden he worked with the
Nordic Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals in a theatrical
capacity and was engaged by the Swedish Animal Ombudsman to write,
direct and participate in theatre activities as a means to increase
awareness of animal rights issues.
He has written several children's plays that concern
animal rights and environmental issues. One of them, Billy the Bear, was
performed by The Norwegian National Theatre. My favorite piece by Wall
is The Litterbug, in which the title character learns respect for nature
from friendly forest creatures, and that littering not only messes up
the environment, but also endangers animals. Other titles include Minny
the Mink (who escapes from a fur farm), Charley the Chicken, The Green
Elephant and several more which all have happy endings for the animals
and teach lessons about respecting the world and it's inhabitants. All
the plays feature opportunities for music, scenery, makeup and costumes
which can be as elaborate as you can fashion; or these elements could be
done very simply and still be effective.
Norman explains what motivates him- "By writing plays
about these things, I try to raise the understanding, the awareness of
the rights of animals to people around the world into making this world
a better place for animals. By giving animals their freedom, by treating
them as living creatures like
ourselves and by raising the status of animals, it follows that we also
raise the status of human life."
If you work with children, are an elementary school
teacher or someone involved in a children's theatre group you will want
to check out Mr. Wall's website for more information about producing his
plays. A children's theatrical production not only influences the
audience, but also teaches and motivates the young cast members who are
involved. Any child who takes a part in such a play and goes through the
rehearsal process is likely to become an animal advocate for life.
Wall International is dedicated to increasing the
awareness of animal welfare issues in the public mind. Learn more about
the plays and also children's books and music at
Animal Theatre
http://www.osonet.com/Animaltheatre
Wall international
http://www.wallinternational.com
children's play for animal rights
http://www.animalfreedom.org/english/action/childrensplay.html
or email Norman Wall at
[email protected] for more information
Go on to The Animals'
Agenda Website
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