Aya and the Butterfly Show - Arts on Tour NZ

South Taranaki District Council and Arts on Tour NZ is bringing ‘Aya and the Butterfly’ to South Taranaki for the April school holidays for families to see for free.

Birdlife Productions are back with a new puppet and music show for all the family, featuring plenty of magical puppetry, music and songs, and lots of giant caterpillar fun!

‘Aya and the Butterfly’ is a heart-warming, joyful story about a little girl who finds happiness through her experience of the metamorphosis of the Monarch Butterfly. The story moves through the seasons, as they unfold upon the stage, transporting children on a shared journey with Aya, through all her ups and downs.

This exquisite puppet show is based on a book by Ōtautahi/Christchurch author Dr Maysoon Salama, who wrote the story for her young granddaughter Aya, after Aya lost her father in the Christchurch Mosque attacks in 2019. The story encourages ‘letting go’ and laughter, resilience building and dealing with change, all metaphorically reflected by the life cycle and metamorphosis of the Monarch Butterfly.

Dr Salama has been working closely with Birdlife Productions as a cultural advisor and mentor to help bring her story to the stage. Designed for families and ideal for children aged 3 to 9 years, ‘Aya and the Butterfly’ encourages empathy for different cultures and confirms the healing power of nature.

Aya and the Butterfly - Thursday 17 April, 11am, Waverley Community Centre. Free to attend.