The Christmas Apple Elf

In late Autumn a jolly farmer is beavering away on his farm, working to the rhythm of the earth. All is well, until one day a mysterious stranger makes an unexpected visit. What follows is an unlikely friendship and a sweet festive tale full of sharing and warmth.

The slow, gentle pace and beautifully enchanting nature of the show leaves space for children (and adults) to use their imaginations, breathe deeply and sink into the story. This healing art form is an antidote to the overexposure of screens and brings back a sense that all is well in the world.

Our farmer character is imbued with the soul archetype qualities of physicality, devotion and goodness. In the prime of his life, reliable and proud of his skills, he walks in uprightness with his feet firmly on the ground and his head touched by heaven.

These real, seasonal images ground children in nature, time and space. Rudolf Steiner said that children develop a sense of moral being through imitating people doing meaningful work. Maybe the farmer in this story will act as a guide to our children, and encourage us to awaken these soul qualities within us.

My name is Elena Butterfield, I’m a Steiner trained puppeteer, and storyteller. I make my puppets by hand from wool, wood, silk and crystal. I perform mainly for children in Newham, where there is little access to the arts, Steiner schools and private functions. If you’d like to join my mailing list or book me to perform for your school, family or friends please contact me on elenabutterfield@yahoo.co.uk or 07863182830.