The “No Monkey Business” series

Fan Mail to Mac Monkey from Claire Connelly, Grade 3b. Bedfordview Primary

Targeted at Grade’s 1 - 3, and able to perform to audiences as young as 3, these puppet shows deal with stranger danger, good and bad secrets, body awareness, physical boundaries, life-skills, self-efficacy, basic health, violence, discrimination, HIV/AIDS awareness, physical abuse and bullying, and substance abuse.

Using bold, bright mouth-puppets, the audience share the adventures and misadventures of Mac Monkey and his best friend Vanda Vulture as they learn about life in their forest home. Fortunately, no matter what they get up to, they are always under the watchful eye of Thandi (the trusted, live actor, adult figure) who is there to guide them and help them work things out. The shows are energetic, interactive, vibrant and colourful, and carefully structured into short narrative segments, which are linked with participatory songs. Mac Monkey becomes a trusted and recognisable friend, creating a “safe place” where the children can comfortably identify and interact with the stories and themes without fear or concern.

Children wave good bye to Mac Monkey and Vanda Vulture after a performance of No monkey Business: Us and Them Durban 2004

Plays

“Secrets, Strangers & Surprises”, “Can’t Touch This”, “Inside Out”, “Push Me Pull You”, “Us & Them”, “Healthy, Happy & Hip” and “Safety First”

Languages

English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho and Tswana.

Duration

35 to 45 minutes.

• Download Video Clip (WMV 944kb)

• Download Fan Letter 1 (Jpeg 90kb)

• Download Fan Letter 2 (Jpeg 80kb)

• Download Fan Letter 3 (Jpeg 83kb)

• Download Fan Letter 4 (Jpeg 45kb)