Baobab

We regret the cancellation of this performance. Patrons who have already purchased tickets will be contacted.

A note from Theatre Motus:

Due to recent changes in VISA processing, we must regrettably cancel the performance of Baobab from Theatre Motus. The entire application for work/entry visas to the United States has been blocked due to the country of birth of three of the four artists on the Baobab tour.

Despite the formal steps taken in a timely manner (we are talking about June 2025, at the very least), and despite the fact that at the end of 2025, in light of the silence from the immigration authorities, we requested visa applications be upgraded to Premium status (at a high additional cost to the company), we are now forced to face this fact: members of Baobab’s cast, will not be able to get their visas in time for the performance in April 2026.

Cast members with Canadian citizenship were born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. All these countries have been, since June 2025, on the US administration's Travel Ban Policy list (EO 10949). But this did not apply since all three were Canadian citizens. However, since January 1st 2026, following the issued EO 10998, USCIS published the memo that they would put a hold on any petitions that included anyone born in any of the 40 countries listed in EO 10998, regardless of whether or not they were citizens of a country not on the list. 

That creates an impasse concerning Baobab because it will be impossible to find in a timely fashion suitable replacements that know how to play traditional instruments (Peul flute, Ngoni, Djembe to name a few) as bearers of this West African tradition and ARE NOT born there. Even if we could find these artists, they would never have time for proper rehearsals and - given the current processing deadlines - to obtain work visas for these potential new artists.

We are absolutely devastated but unfortunately, considering this situation, which is beyond our control and was unforeseeable, we ask Kutztown University of Pennsylvania to agree to terminate our contract due to Force majeure.

Once again, we are deeply sorry for this situation and for not being able to present Baobab to your audiences. We were very much looking forward to this event.

Show description:

In a region of West Africa, plagued by a persistent drought, stands a big, ancient baobab tree. One day, the ancient baobab brings forth an egg and from this egg, a little boy is born. The people in the village discover that he is the only one who can free the source of water. Then, a quest begins. Only the courage of a child might change the history of the world. In this sunny environment where shade provides a soothing break, the African percussion turns into animals, while masks and puppets become genies or witches!  "A little gem of international theatre" - New York Theater Guide 

“Baobab is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity, bringing together music, puppetry, and storytelling in a poetic performance that transcends borders and language barriers.” - Mary Rose Lloyd, New 42 Artistic Director 

Tickets: General Public $20/ Seniors $17/ Students $15

Kutztown University employees and students with active status IDs receive a discount with authenticated login through the ticketing system.