Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre

Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre will perform their production of Japanese folktale Issun Boushi or Little One Inch as part of their West Virginia tour, Journey to Japan: A Puppet Extravaganza! The story is about a miniature boy, who proves his strength by defeating a rat and sets off to save Japan from a great ogre. His parents give him a rice bowl to use as a boat, and a chopstick to use as an oar. In his adventures he befriends a kappa, rides a koi through the rapids, and becomes the playmate of a princess before defeating the ogre in a hilarious battle. Performed in the traditional Japanese bunraku style of puppetry, this play will delight audience members of all ages.

Tears of Joy Theatre is recognized nationally for its commitment to excellence and innovation. Four of their productions have received American puppetry’s highest honor, the Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry. Tears of Joy performs in theaters, community centers, festivals and schools throughout the U.S. and abroad. Each year they perform for over 250,000 people.

Tears of Joy presents puppet theatre that celebrates the diversity of world cultures. Besides their extensive touring program, Tears of Joy Theatre is a resident company at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts in Oregon where they present six productions each year, for a total of over 100 performances. Their performances in West Virginia are supported by the Japan Foundation through the Performing Arts JAPAN program.