For this production, I conducted a great deal of research into West African storytelling traditions, Anansi tales, and Akan/Ashanti culture and dance. For many young people, this would be their first encounter with African ideas, so I wanted to make sure the design team and cast would be well-informed and able to be culturally-conscious decisions.
It was very fun to incorporate what I termed the "Dora the Explorer" moments where the performers could directly interact with the audience and bring them into our mythical world.