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repertoire choices:    current repertoire  •  past repertoire

Mutual Strangers: Henry Hudson & the River that Discovered Him
A new show for the 400th anniversary of Hudson's voyage


'The Half Moon and the West Wind, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah VanaverSeptember, 1609: A small ship sent from Europe to find a northern route to the Orient sails 150 miles up a river on the "unknown" North American continent. The events that transpire on that voyage -- the encounters of European sailors and indigenous people, and the information brought back to the Dutch East India Company in Amsterdam -- prefigure the interaction of cultures that will shape a new nation.

'The People Meet the Strangers Arriving on Their Shores, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah VanaverWith stunning visuals and live music, Arm-of-the-Sea harnesses the transformational energy of mask and puppet theatre to re-imagine from multiple points of view Hudson's voyage on the river that now bears his name. Based on the log of first mate Robert Juet, and the oral traditions of Lenape and Mahican peoples, Mutual Strangers presents a collage of overlapping narratives to mark the 400th anniversary of this world-changing voyage. The show is designed to engage audiences of many ages and walks of life.

'Lenape Canoes from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Patrick WaddenMutual Strangers is made possible with support from the Jim Henson Foundation, the Puffin Foundation, the Quadricentennial Commission, and by public funds from the NY State Council of the Arts, a state agency.

For a PDF of the show's poster, click here: armofthesea.org...


'Lenape Canoes and Sturgeon, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Patrick Wadden 'Directors of the Dutch East India Company, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah Vanaver 'Sailors of the Half Moon, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah Vanaver 'Meeting of the Mohican Sakima and Henry Hudson, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah Vanaver 'Hudson's son John with the Ship's Cat, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah Vanaver 'Teme Gwitet with His Pet crow, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah Vanaver 'Eagle Flies above Muh-he-kun-ne-tuk (Hudson River), from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah Vanaver 'Other Inhabitants of Muh-he-kun-ne-tuk, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Elijah Vanaver 'Beavers Swimming Before the Days of Pelt Trading, from Mutual Strangers' — © 2009 Patrick Wadden


For school audiences this production is best suited for Grades 3-12. However, a special abridged presentation is available for Grades K-2.

Suitable for venues of up to 1000 seats and can also be adapted for outdoor presentation. A slightly abridged version of the show is available for in-school performances.



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This show was introduced in 2008.
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater • [show email address] • 845 246-7873
Artwork by Marlena Marallo Photos by Fred De Van,  Roy Gumpel,  and other photographers Site developed by Mark Bernard