This famous tale is part of the epic Arabian story cycle 1001 Nights.  The story follows hero Ali Baba as he outwits thieves who hide their gold in a magic cave which opens to perhaps the most famous instructions ever:  “Open SimSim!”  Don’t recognize it?  How about “Open Sesame”?  World class puppetry and a swashbuckling story make this Year of the Puppet event special.  Featuring a beautiful cast of hand-carved marionettes and exquisitely crafted full-stage sets, this enchanting interpretation of the famous Arabian Nights tale tells the exciting tale of a poor woodcutter who discovers the enchanted cave of the Forty Thieves and has an adventure of a lifetime!

A Closer Look – About the Artist:
Marionettes, puppets controlled from above by strings, are one of the most complex, oldest and most respected puppet forms in existence.  Wire controlled, articulated puppets made of clay and ivory even have been found in Egyptian tombs!
National Marionette Theatre was founded by David Syrotiak, Sr. in 1966 and has received critical acclaim both here in the United States and abroad.  The company was the first American Marionette Theater to receive the prestigious UNIMA award for excellence in puppet.  As in many traditional arts, the company is a family affair.  Pulling the marionette strings today are master puppeteers (and brothers) Peter and David Syrotiak, sons of David.  Ali Baba was the company’s first show and is being performed again this year for the first time in 42 years.