In the heart of Bengal, a young boy named Opu dreams of becoming an elephant trainer. When he befriends Janu, an Asian Elephant, their friendship is the first step on an adventure so huge, it spans decades and continents. On their separate paths, they face fearsome encounters, stormy seas, and strange new worlds. Years in the future, Opu, now an old man, learns that world-famous magician Harry Houdini will vanish an elephant, live on stage in New York City. Could it be Janu, Opu’s old friend, so far from home? Determined to uncover the truth, he too takes an epic journey into the unknown.
Cahoots NI’s moving story of friendship, belonging, and adventure was named a "Critic’s Pick" in The New York Times, which hailed it as "an alluring spectacle."
Recommended Ages: 8+
Run time: Approximately one hour, and forty minutes including intermission
Supported by Culture Ireland
Co-commissioned by Cahoots NI, Belfast and Imagination Stage, Bethesda MD
Puppets designed by Helen Foan for Foan & Fortune.
