The Mystery Of The Mapou Tree: A Cautionary Tale

Don't Sleep Under the Mapou Tree is a children's play by Greer Sucke, based on Haitian folklore and culture. The play explores the imaginative world of theatre through shape-shifting magicians, elephants, and a two-headed dragon. It is designed to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family, teaching them about Haitian culture through storytelling, costumes, set design, and language. The play is approximately 45 minutes long and has been performed in various locations, such as Greensboro, North Carolina, in partnership with Scrapmettle Blueprints.

The Sun is Stolen

In this whimsical adventure, the audience embarks on a journey to uncover why one should not sleep under the Mapou Tree. The play is brought to life through songs and narratives, captivating both children and adults alike as they delve into the rich Haitian culture and folklore.

The play is designed to be interactive, encouraging children to participate and engage with the performance. They take on roles such as elephants, zeaubeaups (cannibals), and an unusual group of villagers who do everything backward. By involving the young audience, the play fosters a sense of creativity and imagination, allowing them to become a part of the magical world of Haitian folklore.

A Two-Headed Dragon

In the children's play "Don't Sleep Under the Mapou Tree", adapted from Haitian folklore by Greer Sucke, the audience is transported to a magical world filled with shape-shifting magicians, elephants, and a fearsome two-headed dragon. This dragon is not just a mythical creature but a pivotal part of the story, serving as a guardian of sorts and a cautionary symbol.

The two-headed dragon is a formidable creature, with each head possessing its own sentience and will. It is described as having massive wings, a long sinewy body, and two heads that constantly move, each with its own set of piercing eyes. The scales of the dragon shimmer with a metallic hue, reflecting the sunlight in a mesmerizing display of colour. Its massive claws and sharp fangs strike fear into the hearts of those who behold it.

In the play, the two-headed dragon acts as a guardian of secrets and ancient knowledge. It is a creature of great wisdom and power, guarding the entrance to a realm where mystical truths are revealed. The dragon's two heads symbolize duality and the balance between opposing forces. One head breathes fire, representing passion, strength, and destruction, while the other head breathes ice, symbolizing calm, wisdom, and restoration.

As the young traveller, Bouki, embarks on his journey, he encounters this fearsome creature. The dragon becomes a pivotal obstacle in his quest, testing his courage and wit. Bouki must outsmart the dragon, navigating the contrasting natures of its two heads, to gain the knowledge he seeks.

The two-headed dragon serves as a cautionary symbol, warning about the dangers of sleeping under the Mapou tree. It represents the unknown, the mysterious, and the unpredictable. By encountering this creature, Bouki learns that while there are rewards to be gained, there are also consequences for those who dare to venture into forbidden territories or ignore ancient warnings.

A Cannibal Threat

"Don't Sleep Under the Mapou Tree" is a children's play based on Haitian folklore and culture. The play consists of two short plays. The first, "Why the Sun Still Shines," tells the story of a wicked werewolf plotting to steal the sun and plunge the world into darkness. The second, "This Way or That?", follows a not-very-wise young traveler named Bouki who angers the God of the Crossroads and must outwit stomping elephants, hungry cannibals, and a two-headed dragon.

In this response, we will focus on the second play, "This Way or That?", and the threat that the hungry cannibals pose to Bouki.

The traveler, Bouki, finds themselves in a perilous situation when they anger the God of the Crossroads. As a consequence, they are faced with a series of dangerous obstacles, including a group of hungry cannibals. These cannibals, known as "zeaubeaups," pose a significant threat to Bouki's survival.

The zeaubeaups are described as relentless and savage, always on the lookout for their next meal. They are known to roam the lands in search of unsuspecting travelers, like Bouki, whom they can capture and devour. Their presence strikes fear into the hearts of those who cross their path.

As Bouki tries to navigate their way through this treacherous journey, the zeaubeaups' haunting chants and eerie movements fill the air. They move stealthily, tracking Bouki's every move, ready to pounce at any moment. Their sharp teeth and hungry eyes leave no doubt about their intentions.

To escape the zeaubeaups, Bouki must draw on their wit and cunning. They must outsmart these cannibals, using their quick thinking to stay one step ahead. Every decision Bouki makes could mean the difference between life and death.

The zeaubeaups' relentless pursuit adds a layer of tension and danger to Bouki's journey. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of the fragile nature of life and the ever-present threat of death. With each encounter, Bouki must strategize and adapt to increase their chances of survival.

The inclusion of the zeaubeaups in the play not only adds excitement and suspense but also explores the darker aspects of Haitian folklore. They represent the unknown dangers that lurk in the shadows, waiting to consume those who cross their path.

As Bouki navigates this treacherous landscape, the audience is taken on a thrilling journey, wondering if and how the protagonist will escape the cannibal threat. The zeaubeaups serve as a formidable obstacle, testing Bouki's courage, intelligence, and determination to survive.

A Magical Tree

The Mapou tree holds a significant place in Haitian and Māori folklore and culture. In Haitian folklore, the Mapou tree is associated with shape-changing magicians, and it is considered inauspicious to sleep under it. A play based on Haitian folklore, titled "Don't Sleep Under the Mapou Tree", explores this belief and spins tales of wonder and songs to explain why one should not sleep under the Mapou tree.

In Māori tradition, the Mapou tree, also known as māpou, is considered a sacred tree (rakau tapu). It was used extensively in ceremonial contexts by tohunga, or spiritual leaders. A sprig of the māpou tree was dipped in sacred water and then used to sprinkle and cleanse people or objects. The same ritual was performed during a tangi, a traditional mourning ceremony. The tohunga also carried a staff made from māpou as a symbol of their office.

The māpou tree was believed to possess healing properties. In the event of an illness, a wand of māpou was used to touch the sick person, allowing their spirit to enter the wand. This wand was then taken to a tohunga, who could predict whether the person would recover from their illness. The māpou tree was also used in traditional Māori medicine, particularly for treating toothaches and cleaning teeth. The bark was boiled, and the fluid was used as a remedy.

The timber of the māpou tree is exceptionally strong and resilient. It was used to make handles for tools and weapons, as well as chairs, walking sticks, and fernroot beaters. The inner bark and leaves were also used to produce a red dye. The māpou tree is a tough and hardy specimen, thriving in various soils and coastal areas with strong winds. Its distinctive features include pale green to yellowish wavy-edged leaves and bright red stems on new growth tips.

Haitian Folklore

'Don't Sleep Under the Mapou Tree' is a children's play by Greer Sucke, adapted from Haitian folklore. The play explores Haitian culture and consists of two short plays. The first, 'Why the Sun Still Shines', tells of a wicked werewolf plotting to steal the sun and plunge the world into darkness. The second, 'This Way or That?', follows a not-very-wise young traveller named Bouki who angers the God of the Crossroads and must outwit a series of obstacles, including stomping elephants, hungry cannibals, and a two-headed dragon.

The play 'Don't Sleep Under the Mapou Tree' is an imaginative exploration of Haitian folklore, featuring shape-shifting magicians, elephants, and a two-headed dragon. It promises to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family, with songs and stories that will leave the audience wondering why they should never sleep under the Mapou tree.

Kerrie Mubarrak, CEO of Scrapmettle, a Greensboro-based network of writers, directors, and performing artists, emphasised the cultural value of the play, stating that it allows children to "experience culture through art" and "stretch their talent and their perspectives".

'Don't Sleep Under the Mapou Tree' is a wonderful example of how theatre can be used to not only entertain but also educate, providing a unique and engaging way to learn about Haitian folklore and culture.

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