Gather around the campfire and get ready for some magic with the A.B.L.E. Ensembles.
The Forms of Things Unknown is a collection of 8 original tales devised and performed by A.B.L.E.'s ensembles. Full of fantastical animation, original music, and movement, the series features 36 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by 26 volunteer facilitators, and 8 teaching artists Learn more about the creative process on our blog.
Journey with us to an enchanted forest, where campers reveal the many magical creatures who live in the dark. Among these tales, a gregarious Taniwha meets a suspicious Simurgh, a Fairy finds forbidden love with a Centaur, a competitive Phoenix goes head to head with a Minotaur, and a ravenous Wendigo forms an uneasy partnership with a bubbly Sprite. Through these mythical, magical creatures, we get to explore familiar themes like making friends, loving our differences, asking for help, and working together. And we get to know ourselves along the way.
Explore the Stories
Click an icon below to watch an individual story
Gather around the campfire with storytellers Bill, Perry, Julianne, Kate, and Emma to hear the tale of an Imp (Ryan) and a Kelpie (Alena) who make friends playing on the shores of Fire Lake. They soon realize that the waters of the lake are making all the creatures sick, even Devil Wizardlock the Imp (Martin). The friends set off on a journey to try to heal the waters of Fire Lake but are met with obstacles including a Bird who can't take anything seriously (Matt M) and an evil map (Emily L). Will they find the answers they seek?
When campers Maryann, Claire, Emily K, and Christian get lost in the woods, they recall the haunting story of a forbidden love between a Fairy (Colleen) and Centaur (Matt L.). Though it was love at first sight, the judgmental citizens of Hocus Pocus Woods (Amy, Kaylie, and Nette) make it clear they do not approve. The Fairy and Centaur leave their home in search of a place where they can be accepted. They meet a pair of magical outcasts (Peter and Sam) who reveal there might be a way...but will they have the courage to stay together?
A sudden rainstorm sends campers Matt D, Jack, Erica, and Megan into a dark cave with a pool of water in the center. Matt and Jack recognize it instantly as a Taniwha cave and settle in to share the story of a gregarious Taniwha (Ben). When the Taniwha gets los in a land far from home, he begs a skeptical Simurgh (Andrew) for help. The two set off on an epic journey through sky and ocean (with fish puppets by Beth and Katie). But where exactly is home?
A group of campers (Peyton, Polly, Camila, Maddie and Kiaran) hear a strange bird call in the woods. This launches them into the tale of a young Phoenix named Brontes (Lucas) who meets a brave Minotaur named Rocky (Eli). Their first date goes south when they realize they are both aiming to win The Triolympic Games. Their competition sets Brontes on a journey of self discovery aided by his Papi (Emmett), a ferocious lion (Natalia), and the Phoenix Queen (Mila). Can he heal in time to win the gold?
Gather around the campfire with storytellers Lauren, Ben, and Lindsay to hear the tale of a hungry Wendigo (Dan). He wakes one morning to find a curious and adventurous Sprite (Claire) sneaking through his cave and instantly threatens to eat her. But the Sprite promises to bring him to something even tastier. They just have to travel the rapids of the Windy Raft River, where surprises wait around every bend. Can they reach their destination before the Wendigo's hunger gets the best of him?
Storytellers Anna, Maggie, and Shannon lead us through the wild tale of a Thunderbird (Rachel B) who fears her own strength. She enlists the help of her ex - the Sphinx (Jake) - to hunt down the mythical Dragon's Eye which might be the key to harnessing her powers. They journey across oceans to challenge the evil mastermind Max the Great (Fletcher) and his mini-bosses (Susan and Rachel W) in a video game. Can they work together to find their true strength and rekindle a fiery romance?
Friends Mary, Shaina, Chelsea and Marissa find a fossilized pie crust while camping on the island of Kiel. The legends say that a funny Selkie named Rainbow (Sandia) and her best friend Ariana the Nymph (Christian B) used to love performing at the Pie Cave...until a swarm of rat fairies took over Kiel. When the mermaids and magical turtles (Sophie) of the island can't defeat the Rat Fairies, Rainbow and Ariana take matters into their own hands. Will it be enough to save the island?
Grab your guitar and join storytellers Justice, Chloe, and Kara for the story of how the world's most famous band came together. A handsome Griffin (Colin), a boxing Werewolf (Sam P), and a beautiful Princess (Veronica) meet as contestants at a music contest. But their search for fame and fortune takes a nasty turn. Soon they find themselves facing down a nefarious Vampire (Samuel) and spooky spirits (Sean). Can they raise their voices and find true harmony?
The Forms of Things Unknown is partially supported by grants from:
