From Press Release
The Funky Punckies is an educational play written for children in grades 4, 5 and 6. The play came to life as part of an endeavor to bring creativity and joy into the process of learning the appropriate and effective usage of English punctuation. Knowing full well that the topic of punctuation is not one which normally stirs excitement in a classroom, the authors have taken up the challenge of presenting it in a way that children will enjoy, effortlessly remember and learn with motivation and ease.
The characters of The Funky Punckies are the different punctuation marks: Full stop (inflexible and arrogant), Exclamation mark (emotional and energetic), Colon (cool and confident), etc. As members of any family or group, the punctuation members squabble and compete with each other, they argue and fight their little battles, only to realize that there is more to life than their immediate, short-term interests. They find themselves in situations which force them to re-examine their roles, assert themselves, open their minds to reality and reassess their values. With much entertainment, music, song, and dance, The Funky Punckies brings the children’s attention not only to the topic of the correct use of punctuation, but also to the social and psychological issues it highlights: the importance of having confidence and belief in oneself, having respect for others, accepting differences and putting them aside in order to build a structure of higher value.
The cast consists of 9 members, male and female of different ages and of a cultural mix that reflects Canada’s diverse student population.
Details
- The Funky Punckies plays at the George Ignatieff Theatre. (15 Devonshire Pl)
- Tickets for FringeKids shows are $5 for kids (age 12 and younger); adults pay $10 at the door or $12 in advance.
- Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Fringe Club at Honest Ed’s Alley, and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
- The George Ignatieff Theatre is wheelchair-accessible, and has wide aisles for easy mid-show exits.
- Don’t miss the FringeKids club located on the lawn adjacent to the venue! Free activities for children (3-12) and caregivers run every day of the festival: see website for details.
- Content Warning: Audience Participation.
- Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.
Performances
- Thursday June 30th, 04:00 pm
- Friday July 1st, 12:00 pm
- Sunday July 3rd, 02:30 pm
- Tuesday July 5th, 01:00 pm
- Wednesday July 6th, 10:00 am
- Friday July 8th, 04:15 pm
- Saturday July 9th, 11:45 am
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