A Birder Mystery
About
Darcy and Danny the Wood Ducks have returned from migration just in time for Spring. But something is amiss: their old home is not how they remember it, and significantly less green. Joined by Spencer the Squirrel, Owlivia the Screech Owl, and Spot the Spotted Turtle, Darcy and Danny will have to teach their new friend Penny what a green space truly means as they journey to find a new home, and discover how to mend their old one along the way.
A playful performance where animal characters engage the audience to understand the Zoo’s role in environmental conservation and how individuals can play a part. Students and Learning Partners performed the play at Franklin Park Zoo for over 125 guests on April 19, 2024.
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A Look Inside the Co-Creation Process
"Culture has a lot to do with stories. What are the myths that we grew up with? What is our idea of heroism? That shapes the way we move through this world. How do we change our idea of whose stories matter, whose stories are important?"
— Professor Tushar Mathew
Social Impact Studios, facilitated by the Engagement Lab, give Emerson students and faculty the opportunity to work directly with local grassroots changemakers to co-create media projects that will make an impact in Boston and beyond.
A Birder Mystery was co-createad by Spring 2024’s Social Impact Studio "Crafting Awe: Telling Stories of Animal Protagonists" as part of the Transforming Narratives for Environmental Justice initiative.
Partners
Project Team
Students
Audrey Bosniak
Emerson Student
Celina Burgueño
Graduate Student
Teaching Assistant
Landon Butler
Emerson Student
Sofia Cardona
Emerson Student
Carina Higgins
Emerson Student
Milo Hughson
Theatre and Performance '24
Jackson Query
Emerson Student
Learning Partners
Emily Bauernfiend
Zoo New England
Kelsey Clarke
Zoo New England
Erin Murray Quinlan
Zoo New England
Studio Instructors
Tushar Mathew
Assistant Professor, Performing Arts