Morgiana and the 40 Thieves

This is what it's all about.

Morgiana and the 40 Thieves is a project by the non-profit organization Talespin - Musical Tales for Big and Small, which platforms an international, diverse team of creatives. It reworks the beloved middle Eastern fairy tale, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves to center Morgiana, a strong female protagonist. With your help, we will publish this story as a beautiful, hardcover book & CD for readers & listeners ages 8 to 108 in English, German, Arabic and French.

My project is special because ...

Talespin - Musical Tales for Big and Small believe offering an inclusive worldview - especially to younger people and the young at heart - that highlights diversity and representation is essential. This captivating multimedia story (over 50 pages, over 20 minutes of music and narration) is our contribution to a growing body of inclusive music, literature and art.

In addition, our illustrations and music as well as the reworking/translations of the story are all original creations by diverse, living artists. The illustrations are by Austrian-Iraqi Artesigner Rima Al-Juburi, who features symbols, colors and shapes that celebrate her Iraqi heritage. The music - for narrator, violin, piano and percussion - was composed by Canadian-American composer Jason Gray, who drew inspiration from traditional middle-eastern instruments including the Kanun and the Santur.

Finally, not only is this story being published in four separate languages, but a key word for each image in the book will be drawn in Arabic, presented and translated in «learning corners» which will also include contextualizing insight. This is in the interest in promoting multilinguicity and cross-cultural curiosity in young and young-at-heart readers alike.

This is what I need backing for and what you get in return for your help

All funds raised go directly to covering the varied costs of producing this colorful book and CD, particularly printing the hardcover book and CDs and recording / mastering the music and narration (in four languages) in Vienna’s Konzerthaus.

Backers have the option to contribute whatever suits their budget and can choose from a variety of rewards as our way of saying thanks. Most will likely want early, signed limited edition releases of the book and CD in time to give the most original Christmas gift ever to their favorite friends, colleagues, nieces and nephews, but there are also handpainted postcards and bookmarks, porcelain charms painted by Rima, and VIP ticket packages to the release concert next year. For those looking for something really special, there are even a limited number of experiences, including lessons in cuniform writing and private concerts which are ideal for a couple, a family, a birthday party or even a small company function.