LAND

& LIVELIHOODS

Astronauts say that seen from space, Madagascar looks as though it is bleeding as its red soil leaches into the Indian Ocean. The image is stark, and so is the reality behind it.

In many parts of the country, forest is cleared and burned to make way for rice fields. Over time, the fields can become exhausted, while the scrub vegetation that follows is often unable to hold the soil in place. The result is erosion, depleted land and growing pressure on families trying to feed themselves.

Alternative land management practices are essential if communities are to build a more sustainable future. No Strings’ work in Madagascar uses story and imagination to open discussion around farming, soil, forest and the choices that shape the future, supporting wider efforts towards positive change

In A Farmer’s Tale, Simon is desperate to clear the forest to feed his growing family. But as he raises his machete, he meets an ancient tree, a bird, and a lemur, who lead him to a clearing where a mysterious vision begins to unfold. Simon begins to see how different choices can shape the future of the land and the families who depend on it.

The story helps audiences explore the choices facing families under pressure, and the possibility of protecting livelihoods and the natural resources that sustain them.

  • Madagascar: Young girl with one of our lemur puppets.

  • Community shadow puppet story about a man who saves the forest.

  • In his vision, Simon finds terraced hillsides full of richly made compost.

  • Community shadow show scene: With the trees cut down all the life has vanished.

  • Boys show off fabulous artistic skills with their farming shadow puppets.

  • Damaged hillsides visible behind this community gathering, Madagascar.

  • Snake puppet. Curiously, none of the country’s indigenous reptiles are poisonous.

A Story Both Old and New

  • "The story I'm about to tell you," says Tree, magically coming to life, "is both old and new. It is a story and therefore not real, but many of the things in it are absolutely true.”

  • Simon's wife is pregnant. They have land, but it has become barren and useless, and Simon must go to the forest and cut down trees to make new fields to feed his family.

  • As he draws his machete to cut down the ancient Tree, it speaks: "If you spare me, I will help you in the future." Simon agrees. Later a bird stops him and makes the same pledge.

  • Simon cannot believe his ears when another creature, a lemur, confronts him too. In thanks for sparing the forest's trees, the lemur leads him to a clearing. "This will change your life," it says.

  • Here, Simon has a vision. In it, a beautiful plot of land flourishes with rich, composted soil, terraces, and the full support of the natural world. And the old farmer, there’s something familiar about him…

  • An old woman and two girls appear. It’s Simon’s wife! His children! Simon realises this is a vision of his own future – a possible future, at least. Whether it becomes real is now up to him.

A FARMER’S TALE: CLIP
A film about Possible Futures

Simon enters the forest in a desperate bid to clear new land to feed his young family, and comes upon a vision of an old man in a clearing with a beautiful and abundant plot. It transpires that this old man is Simon himself in a positive future made possible through more sustainable farming techniques, working in greater harmony with nature. The contrast is clear and abrupt – abundance, or desolation. Indeed, it’s ultimately a choice we all face.

FIND OUT MORE

OUR STORY‍ ‍
How an old puppet called Seamus led to an international creative collaboration

OUR PUPPETRY
Why puppets create space for difficult conversations and behaviour change

OUR FILMS‍ ‍
Developed with leading members of the original Muppet Show creative team

OUR TEAM
The artists, trainers, and trustees behind the work

OUR METHODOLOGY ‍
The No Strings Method: how film, puppetry and participation come together