TNWPP’s mission is to make a contribution to the process of cultural diversity and improve children’s reading comprehension, social studies, and science, math, writing and art skills through the medium of theater. TNWPP’s objectives are to teach children how to become world citizens and appreciate various cultures of the world through the provision of a fun outlet for self expression; a forum for group interaction; an opportunity to explore personal meaning and identity, and to promote understanding and empathy to others coming from different cultural orientation. While the direct beneficiaries are neighborhood children ages 5-12, the indirect beneficiaries are the respective families of the children, the community and the society at large. The avenue of education selected, the theater, is assumed to be one of the best ways of promoting a better perspective and worldview through the medium of storytelling of various Cinderella’s imposed in different cultural settings through which forum the children can be attuned to the individual’s aspirations, joys, fears, and their complex contradictory perceptions of themselves and their lives. Through traditional storytelling and acting, the children are trained to memorize words, use vocal and physical expressions to interpret a character’s thoughts and feelings thus promoting empathy, understanding and respect for other cultures and societies. Past projects included Chinese Cinderella, African Cinderella, Canadian Cinderella, Indian Cinderella, Mexican Cinderella, Greek-Egyptian Cinderella and the Korean Cinderella.
