"MISSION EARTH: Save Christmas (Book & CD)" is simultaneously an illustrated musical narrative and theatre play of the adventurous journey of Tera.
What is it?
"MISSION EARTH: Save Christmas (Book & CD)" is simultaneously an illustrated musical narrative and theatre play of the adventurous journey of Tera (our hero, a little girl that loves Planet Earth) and Galo Falante (a talking rooster made of garbage - actually, her best friend) to the City of Toys (Santa's residence) in Lapland to save Christmas.
The story broaches the subject of consumerism, contrasting the magic of giving with the dangers of mass consumption. The children's highly-prized Christmas presents — their wonderful toys! — become the symbol of a powerful riddle that threatens the sustainability of the Earth. But the principles of the Earth Charter are there to help solve the problem.
The book includes 12 double pages of narrative text, accompanied by song lyrics, presenting the story written by Rita Fouto and illustrated by Eunice Rosado. It also includes the original script of the musical play, as well as scientific context provided by Rui Dinis and pedagogic materials from Pedro Branco. The CD includes narration by actors Inês Fouto, José Almeida, Rita Fouto, Ruben Rolo and Joaquim Guerreiro and the 12 theme songs of the musical play, with lyrics by Rita Fouto and music by Carlos Gutkin, José Almeida, Pedro Branco and Rita Fouto. The songs are sung by the Choir of Santo Amaro de Oeiras (CSAO), led by Yara Gutkin, director of the youth choir, with arrangements by Kent Queener and Carlos Gutkin.
The Book & CD is entirely produced in Portuguese language – but a later English production and edition could be achieved if the project raises enough support. For that purpose please contact us through our official blog.
Who is it for?
This Book & CD is for all: young and old, parents and educators, families, schools, municipalities and businesses; for those who are concerned about the Earth and for those who aren't; for citizens of today and the next generation.
How did it begin?
The idea came out of an environmental education project called "Tera and the Earth Charter" created by FAREDUCA in 2010. In this project, the musicals ("MISSION EARTH" episodes) act as the main pedagogical resource to convey the messages of sustainability.
The project was embraced in 2012 by the CSAO children choir (CISAO). The choir adopted one of the musicals main theme songs, "Meu Planeta Azul" (“My Blue Planet”) and with it won the “Global Youth Music Contest” to the UN World Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). CSAO won over 114 other songs from 71 countries, giving this song the status of a message from all the children of the world… to all the world leaders.
Check out the song video here.
In 2013, the partnership continued, with the production and public presentation of the musical episode “MISSION EARTH: Save Christmas” in a special version featuring CSAO Children Choir (50 elements). The audience loved it and encouraged us to go on.
What is the goal?
This Book & CD thus arises as a result of this experience - and as a way to deepen the work done so far and expand its reach to a wider audience.
For FAREDUCA, this Book & CD project developed in partnership with CSAO makes all sense because the voices of youth are the most important in conveying the message of sustainability. For CSAO, it constitutes an important opportunity to share the values and principles of sustainability (and the Earth Charter) within the choir (mainly children and youth) and with their families, communities and the general public.
What are the stages and costs involved?
The project involves a 1st stage of organizing, recording, and editing the Book & CD (1,000 copies) with a budget of 15,000 € (*), to be financed through “PPL Crowdfunding Portugal”. A 2nd stage will include the Book & CD promotion and release at Christmastime with a large production of the musical, reuniting the cast of actors, singers and musicians. The last 3rd stage will comprehend the project circulation in schools, introducing the Book & CD together with theater and music activities.
(*) To see a detailed budget of the project, consult the provided pdf document.
