Raina Lawrence on Using Puppets to bring Cultural Curiosity & Pride to the Future
If you truly want change, you must think and act differently. This requires some discomfort, but it is necessary for growth. A perhaps unusual depiction of this was on display in the Westchester Square Library (NYC) every Tuesday at 4:30 pm last Fall. In conjunction with the New York City Public Library, Urban Stages Theatre Company presented Discover HijiBiji Golpo bringing the whimsical tales of famed Bengali poet Sukumar Ray’s collection of animal tales titled Abol Tabol to life. Through puppetry, dance, songs, and other creative artforms, this production utilized the animal tales in a bilingual approach to stirring creativity and wonder. Delivered in both English and Bengali, Discover HijiBiji Golpo serves as an immersive gateway to early language acquisition, cultural exploration, and the joyous art of storytelling. Puppeteer Raina Lawrence was a particular focal point of both the young audience and their caretakes at these performances with her mesmerizing performances. This production and the theatre company is near and dear to Raina’s heart as she states, “Through my journey with Urban Stages, I have discovered a profound sense of purpose in using puppetry and performance to bridge cultures, nurture early literacy, and spark moments of wonder for young audiences. Storytelling, at its core, is a universal experience—one that transcends language and age. Being part of a program that celebrates this universal power, while also preserving and sharing the richness of Bengali folklore, has been a deeply fulfilling experience.”
There were a number of characters taking the children through the adventures of the Discover HijiBiji Golpo via Raina’s puppet mastery. These creatures were each infused with a distinct personality which could connect with audience members through their stark uniqueness. From the NYC favorite Pigeon to the command barking Puppy to the singing Frog, mischievous Rat, and powerfully brave Wolf, these animal-puppets communicated feelings and ideas that all in attendance could recognize and relate to. One of the standout puppets was Babu the Elephant, a hand puppet crafted from soft, flexible fabric with large, floppy ears and a long trunk. Babu played the role of a wise and kind guide, leading the children through various animal adventures. His trunk allowed for playful actions, such as picking up objects, spraying water, and trumpeting, which delighted the children and created moments of interaction. His gentle and friendly demeanor made him a favorite among the younger audience, helping to foster a sense of connection and wonder throughout the performance. Another highly memorable puppet was Pinku the Parrot, a brightly colored marionette with felt feathers and a movable beak, allowing it to “speak” in both English and Bengali. Pinku, with its mischievous personality, loved mimicking animal sounds and encouraging the children to repeat words and phrases. Its lively movements, including flying across the stage, brought energy and humor to the performance. Pinku’s rhyming speech and interactive nature made it one of the most engaging characters, drawing the children into the rhythm of the story and encouraging them to participate through chants and songs.
Raina herself grew up listening to Abol Tabol from her mother and grandmother. In her homeland, these are oral stories of living tradition, woven into the fabric of Bengali households. By incorporation them into the program with her puppet artistry, Raina showed audiences that they could see their own culture reflected in a space of joy and imagination. The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to her performances confirms this to be a popular concept for all who witness it. Raina Lawrence was personally moved by the response. She confirms, “Throughout this production, I saw how children formed profound connections with the puppets—in ways that were both deeply personal and incredibly imaginative. One of the most striking aspects was how quickly they accepted the puppet as a real, autonomous being. At the start of each session, there was often a moment of hesitation—children observing, assessing, trying to understand. But as soon as the puppet moved, reacted, or spoke directly to them, they were completely immersed. A remarkable aspect of puppetry was its ability to break down barriers, particularly for children who were initially shy or hesitant to engage. Some who clung to their caregivers at the start of a session gradually opened up—first watching from a distance, then giggling at the puppet’s antics, and eventually stepping forward to interact. There was one child who barely spoke at the beginning of a session, hiding behind their parent. But by the end, they stood close to the puppet, whispering secrets to it as if it were a trusted friend. This emotional connection—where the puppet serves as a safe, nonjudgmental presence—demonstrates how puppetry can be a powerful tool for self-expression.”
Writer : Calvin Hooney
