It is March and spring is in the air, I am sitting in the foyer of La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club and scattered around the space are many exhausted parents trying to placate, encourage and entertain their little angels (aged 6 – 36 months). There is a cacophony of small voices, some wails, many giggles as the walking babies careen around the room investigating some toys placed around the space. We are all waiting for the start of the Paper Canoe Company’s show, Elementary – ‘a new performance for babies and the people who love them.’
The three performers emerge from the stairwell each holding something magical – a whirling, twirling, colorful creature that seems to be dancing around their hands, and there is instant silence. The little people are transfixed, mouths agape, eyes full of wonder and curiosity. We follow our imaginators up into the theater – an oasis of color, texture and sensory stimulation. I am a child again.
Caregivers and their children make their way onto kaleidoscopic islands of braided, felt rugs. These have been exquisitely hand made by Deb O and the young ones immediately begin running their hands through the tactile carpets.
What follows is 30-minutes of goodness. A journey through nature’s elements of earth, wind, water and fire. Earthworms and jellyfish, butterflies and caterpillars, bright self-propelled balls and enormous Slinkys, perfumed fabric flowers and oceans of fabric. A gentle soundtrack and subtle lighting effects. We all exhale and relax.
I watch the parents/caregivers for a moment – they are entranced too. They are completely engaged in also feeding the caterpillars, smelling the flowers, rolling the balls and raising their hands to touch the ocean waving above them. My heart is full. I suddenly want to put my hands in playdough, paint with my fingers and jump into a sandpit – start playing.
After a few experiences creating enticing worlds, the performers – nature sprites, move through the space with heated bean bags that they place on the shoulders of the caregivers. Such a beautiful moment of recognizing their role in raising these children.
The gift of the show are the creator/performers – Denisa Musilova, Tami Stronach and Sarah Panayiotou Leñador. Positivity and joy beam from them as they gently move through the children inviting them to play and experience the wonders they have manifested. It is a non-verbal performance loaded with story and magical movement.
Seated behind me in the performance is a representative from MoMA so I am not surprised to find myself at UNIGLO Family Day at MoMA a few months later on August 8 to see the next iteration of Elementary — ‘a piece that celebrates curiosity, connection, and wonder in the very earliest years of life.’ This space was substantially bigger, but the intimacy and gentleness were not lost. Again, the children were mesmerized and engaged. After each performance the children get to play with all of the prop toys, immersing themselves in the worlds they have participated in making. It’s such a feel-good experience.
Paper Canoe Productions has been awarded a residency at BAM during September 2026 and are continuing to evolve the show before returning to La MaMa in October.
What an incredible way to introduce babies to the wonder-full world of theater. Spread the word to all of your family, friends and colleagues with small children – it is a total delight and unforgettable theatrical breath of fresh air!