CES Presents Cahoots NI in “The Vanishing Elephant”

Mar 7, 2025 8:00 AM

The Cultural Events Series at Frostburg State University will present Northern Ireland-based theatre company Cahoots NI in “The Vanishing Elephant” on Sunday, March 30, at 4 p.m. in FSU's Pealer Performing Arts Center Drama Theatre.  

This moving story of friendship, belonging and an incredible journey from Bengal to the bright lights of Broadway comes to life through large-scale “Warhorse”-style puppetry – including a baby elephant, a young adult elephant, a fully grown adult elephant and a tiger – original music, live actors, authentic dance and magical illusion. Theatregoers will follow the story of Opu, a young boy in Bengal who dreams of one day becoming an elephant trainer. When he befriends Janu, an Asian elephant, their friendship is the first step on an adventure so huge, it spans decades and continents. During its fall 2023 presentation by New York’s legendary New Victory Theater, The New York Times named it a Critic’s Pick, hailing it as “an alluring spectacle” and describing how "gray-suited puppeteers essentially disappear ... creating the impression that a real elephant, with sad eyes and a dusty trunk, is moving just feet away." 

Founded in 2001 and based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Cahoots NI creates theatrical magic with a distinctive, innovative style that combines magic and illusion, large-scale puppetry, physical theatre and original music and choreography. Their bold, original productions are designed to inspire a sense of wonder, unlock imaginations and nurture a love of the arts in children. 

Performance tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for FSU employees and military; $15 for youth under 18; and free for FSU students. For more information, visit ces.frostburg.edu or call 301-687-3137.  

“The Vanishing Elephant” is supported by Culture Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and presented in partnership with Belfast International Arts Festival with support from British Council NI and was co-commissioned by Cahoots NI, Belfast and Imagination State, Bethesda MD. CES is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and receives financial support from the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg. 

Photo credit: Georgeous Photography