Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s elegant new show The Rainbow Fish includes an original stage adaptation of Marcus Pfister’s colorful story as well as two of the author’s companion tales, Rainbow Fish Discovers the Deep Sea and Opposites. This widely-traveled production incorporates innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, and evocative original music to provide very young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading.

The first of three tales introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow. He is admired, and resented, by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow as Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea, discovering a new world with wonderful sights and friendly creatures of all shapes, sizes and colors who are eager to make his acquaintance. The underworld wonderland is the setting for an introduction to the concept of opposites. As a fitting finale, the story ends with the most satisfying opposite of all, give and take, as Rainbow Fish shares one of his shining scales with a friend.

Curriculum Connections:

• Puppetry
• Visual Art
• Literature
• Opposites
• Ocean Life
• Friendship
• Responsible Decision Making
• Relationship Skills