Notions of Oceans and Things Beyond Compare

Expect unusual fun as Mlanjeni Magical Theater offers a form of east African theater which we call “Muungamano.” It is one of Africa’s interdisciplinary art-forms utilizing acting along with puppets, magical illusions, folk music, and dance in traditional storytelling. The audiences are actively involved in the presentations through call-and-response singing, dancing and volunteer assistants. Presented by Africa’s Ambassador of Fun, storyteller-magician Mlanjeni and son, the Amazing Mr. Q, the shows are a delight for pre-schools, elementary and middle schools, libraries, festivals, and family-oriented events.

Presenter Bio:

Mlanjeni Magical Theater is a theater company specializing in entertainment for youth audiences. The company began in Harrisburg PA in 1975 with the help of Philadelphia’s Freedom Theater director, John Allen.The style of the theater developed is called “Muungamano.” Muungamano is an interdisciplinary style of east African performance art featuring storytelling, dance, music, masks and/or puppets and magical illusions. Moving to the Delaware Valley in 1986, Mlanjeni continued to build the theater into a small touring company.Touring the “Muungamano-style” theater in schools, libraries, day care centers and museums. Joined by his son, Marquez in the 1990’s, father and son perform together and as solo acts throughout the area.