Gift of Tongue

Written by Lani T. Montreal

Directed by Louie Pascasio & Ginger Leopoldo

Synopsis

A seven-headed menace called the Tongue Twister kidnaps Ma-Yi’s peacekeeper, Tula, and puts a cruel curse upon its people.

Ma-Yi is known for its people’s diplomacy and excellent communication skills but now, they no longer have control over the words that come out of their mouths. They say mean and hurtful things, even when they only feel kindness.

King Hari seeks the help of neighboring kingdoms Azteca and Boriqua, but the message that gets sent is all wrong. The leaders of the powerful nations rise in arms for what they perceive to be hostility from Ma-Yi.

Only the rescue of Tula can restore peace on earth now. Many try their luck in exchange for the hand of Ma-Yi’s beautiful Princess Ugat in marriage, but none survive the terrible calamities that mar the path to the Tongue Twister’s lair.

Despite protestations from her father, who thinks that girls are not ideal heirs to the throne, the young princess takes matters into her hands. With her gift of tongue and a new-found friend named Makata, she embarks on a journey of magic and discovery, where nature speaks in poetry and weather catastrophes express themselves in rhythm and rhyme.

Performances

• Chopin Theater, Chicago
  Dec 2 – 4, 2004