The Penn State University Greater Allegheny Players will present Arabian Tales in the Fitness and Cultural Center Theater on December 1, at 12:30 p.m. and December 2 and 3, at 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The stories in this production have been chosen from a number of Middle Eastern folk tale narratives and then adapted and dramatized for performance as part of the campus Teaching International Program.
The Cave of Three Wishes is about a poor shepherd who uses a pretend magic cave to find out what the womenfolk in his household wish for--with unsettling results. Prince Naas is about a clever, hard-working girl who deceives a queen who is looking for her missing son, Prince Naas, and hears the girl telling "naas" (which meant "sleepiness" in her language) to stay away from her. The girl agrees to let "Naas" court her when the queen, hoping this will bring back her son, promises to provide food and clothing for the girl and her sisters. Complications ensue. The Farmer who Followed his Dream is about a farmer who has a recurrent dream about going to Jerusalem and standing by Damascus gate. His wife suggests that he travel to Damascus Gate to find the meaning of the dream--with surprising results. The Hunchback of Dhafar is about a crippled young man who achieves a happy life (and improved posture), thanks to his good deeds and the prayers of his family and friends.