Ferdinand at Central Library

We are thrilled to kick off our 50th anniversary year celebrations with a free theatrical puppet show for families at the Central Library. Our teaching and performing artist Michele Costa, and her puppet theatre, theaterFigüren will perform the beloved story of “Ferdinand” for all-age audience.

This performance, on the day following Buffalo’s Curtain Up! 2012, the official opening of Buffalo’s theater season, takes place Saturday, September 15 at 1 pm at the Central Library Auditorium, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo.

theatreFigüren’s beloved puppet production of “Ferdinand,” by Munro Leaf, has been adapted by Michele Costa—she also built and made the stage, set and puppets. The performance features an original musical score by Paul Christopher Kozlowski. “Ferdinand” is the potent story of a little bull who would rather sit and smell the flowers than fight. 

Costa founded theatreFigüren in 1991. Her puppet theatre synthesizes many art forms—including literature, dance, music, painting and sculpture—into one fantastic theatrical experience that is sophisticated, with appeal across the age spectrum.

“It’s really nice that this production can be made public,” says Costa. “This performance of ‘Ferdinand’ is seen in schools, but probably many people wouldn't see it or know that it's available, and that it appeals to a wide range of age groups. Curtain Up is traditionally adult, so it’s good that Young Audiences is offering a little extension of it. It’s great to be able to let families know that we're here, were doing this—and we’re at the library.”

The performance is presented in partnership with the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. Young Audiences of Western New York’s 50th Anniversary events are generously sponsored by major supporters The Buffalo News, Buffalo Spree, Hooper Family Foundation, Hyatt’s All Things Creative, M&T Bank, and WNED.

Performances of “Ferdinand” are available for schools; YA-WNY and theatreFigüren are pleased to offer discounted prices for the 2012-13 school year to Buffalo Public Schools.