A Reading of Ti Madamn and The Three Beans | June 16, 2026

Theaterlab Presents:

Ti Madamn and The Three Beans

A staged reading of Mimi Bethélémy’s children’s book “La Dame Aux Pois”

Translated by Dr. Maryse N. Roumain

Edited by Rachel Kieffer

Adapted and performed by Emmanuel Elpenord

Supported by NYSCA

“Three Beans” follows our protagonist through various settings, exchanging one curious item for another after an initial gift of three beans. Some of the items are practical and ordinary while others are enigmatic and meaningful. Though our protagonist has forgotten her magic powers in her old age, in the very end, she deftly remembers in time to rescue herself. This text is overflowing with powerful messages and high potential for the stage, especially the puppet stage. Join us in unpacking the hidden lessons and wisdoms in this story!

About the program : Bending the rules of a traditional residency, NYC’s most interesting performance crafters are invited to explore their own brilliance. BACKSTITCH is a commitment to craftspeople strengthening the performing arts through process development. Traditionally, little-b backstitch is a hand sewing technique that reinforces seams, prevents unraveling, and secures the beginning and end of the process – making it more durable and less likely to come undone with wear or stress. Theaterlab’s Backstitch Artists are scholars of themselves. They’re making big moves across genres, collectively impacting the strength & durability of the artform, while securing their own undeniable excellence into the lineage and legacy of the performing arts. Learn more about the program here!

Reading Date:

Tuesday June 16th, 4:00pm to 6:30pm

in the Gallery (3rd Floor)

Tickets:

This event is free to attend with an RSVP.

MEET THE ARTIST

EMMANUEL ELPENORD is a Brooklyn-born, Haitian-American actor, puppeteer, and voice-over artist. Highlights from his distinguished body of work: puppeteer in El Niño (Met Opera); original cast of Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh: A New Musical Adaptation” (Rockefeller Prod.); original cast of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” (Rockefeller Prod.); puppeteer at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater (10+ years). Recipient of Haiti Cultural Exchange’s 2023 LakouNOU Artist Residency Grant, Puppet Showplace Theater’s 2023 Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers Grant, and the Jim Henson Foundation’s 2024 Family Grant. He studied ancient traditional theater forms in India, Japan, and Greece with OYL’s 2025 International Performance Residency, and is a proud recipient of the 2026 New York State Council of the Arts Grant.

RSVP

COVID-19 policy: In guidance with the city and state COVID-19 policies, we will no longer be requiring masks, but strongly recommend them.