Kids' Stuff
Thu, 13 Mar 2008, 08:15 amGordon the Optom1 post in thread
Kids' Stuff
Thu, 13 Mar 2008, 08:15 am In the centre of the room is a 7-year old boy playing with his building bricks, he hears a noise outside the window and looks out, just in time to see a funeral passing by. He describes what he sees, before continuing to portray the life of the shopkeepers in the town and the general goings-on. His best friend, Marcelle, has a sister with a strange ‘deformity’. His teacher is austere with eccentric expressions. A tragedy occurs and this youngster has trouble coming to terms with the situation, when his interpretation of the situation does not appear to agree with the priest’s statement.
As the programme says, this play. although being highly respected is rarely performed. Being an 80-minute monologue, calling for several vivid characters, ranging from 7 to 85 yrs, male and female, it is not surprising that there are not too many actors who could tackle the dramatic piece.
The stage is a polished floor, the size of a normal small classroom, with the audience of 25 seated intimately on benches around the walls. Lit by four antique, standard lamps (Lighting by Andrew Lake) the feeling is that you are part of the family.
Katie Keady confirms her award of Best Actress 2006 with a truly wonderful performance. Word perfect, and without a hitch, she works her audience with eye contact, sitting next to them and having one-way conversations. Directed by Sally Richardson and assisted by Marisa Garreffa, the observation of the personae is amazing. Every little peculiarity of the characters is there. Being a voice-artist, Katie changes instantly and flawlessly from one character to another.
This delightful, superbly presented play is a must for parents, grandparents and teachers. Any student considering acting as a career, should see this production to know what can be the ultimate in performance. A total joy – the time flew. In the centre of the room is a 7-year old boy playing with his building bricks, he hears a noise outside the window and looks out, just in time to see a funeral passing by. He describes what he sees, before continuing to portray the life of the shopkeepers in the town and the general goings-on. His best friend, Marcelle, has a sister with a strange ‘deformity’. His teacher is austere with eccentric expressions. A tragedy occurs and this youngster has trouble coming to terms with the situation, when his interpretation of the situation does not appear to agree with the priest’s statement.
As the programme says, this play. although being highly respected is rarely performed. Being an 80-minute monologue, calling for several vivid characters, ranging from 7 to 85 yrs, male and female, it is not surprising that there are not too many actors who could tackle the dramatic piece.
The stage is a polished floor, the size of a normal small classroom, with the audience of 25 seated intimately on benches around the walls. Lit by four antique, standard lamps (Lighting by Andrew Lake) the feeling is that you are part of the family.
Katie Keady confirms her award of Best Actress 2006 with a truly wonderful performance. Word perfect, and without a hitch, she works her audience with eye contact, sitting next to them and having one-way conversations. Directed by Sally Richardson and assisted by Marisa Garreffa, the observation of the personae is amazing. Every little peculiarity of the characters is there. Being a voice-artist, Katie changes instantly and flawlessly from one character to another.
This delightful, superbly presented play is a must for parents, grandparents and teachers. Any student considering acting as a career, should see this production to know what can be the ultimate in performance. A total joy – the time flew.