Blueback
Sat, 1 Oct 2011, 04:22 pmGordon the Optom1 post in thread
Blueback
Sat, 1 Oct 2011, 04:22 pm‘Blueback’ is a play for children, adapted by Peta Murray from the book by the Western Australian iconic author, Tim Winton. This production by the Terrapin Puppet Theatre is presented by W.A.’s touring Spare Parts Puppet Theatre based at 1 Short Street, Fremantle opposite the train station. Performances are at 10.00 am and 1.00 pm during the school holidays until 15th October.
Young Abel and his mother live a very impoverished existence, at a beautiful remote area of the WA coast. The young boy spends most of his days, snorkelling in the Indian Ocean. His father works ‘away’ and contacts them on a regular basis. The family have a strong relationship with the environment and are determined to protect the area from over-fishing and developers.
When swimming, Abel meets up with a huge old fish, which he names Blueback, that comes to trust Abel, and become his aquatic brother.
Will progress ruin the area?
There is no doubt that ‘Blueback’ is a gripping and exciting story, skilfully directed by Philip Mitchell. Complete with enthralling underwater visuals from designer Hanna Parssinen, coupled with the fine support of lighting and production manager, Karen Cook.
The experienced puppeteers, Michael Barlow and Sarah Nelson lovingly operated, with grace and total realism, their giant rod puppets, massive old groper Blueback, and the Bunraku style puppets including crabs, eels and abalone - all stunningly constructed by Greg Methe.
The dialogue (sorry no names available) was spoken clearly and the background music from composer Don Hopkins helped hold the excitement.
Described as a fable for all ages and advertised as suitable particularly for 5 – 15 year olds, the script unfortunately was very rich in description, filled with marine terminology and some dark threads. I think that 10 years upwards would probably most appreciative. Some seven year olds said ‘It was exciting and great, but boring’, I am sure the last adjective related to the intensity of the storyline, which for adults was intriguing. However, the whole very young audience were well-behaved and quiet throughout the performance.
A magical experience for all ages.
‘Blueback’ is a play for children, adapted by Peta Murray from the book by the Western Australian iconic author, Tim Winton. This production by the Terrapin Puppet Theatre is presented by W.A.’s touring Spare Parts Puppet Theatre based at 1 Short Street, Fremantle opposite the train station. Performances are at 10.00 am and 1.00 pm during the school holidays until 15th October.
Young Abel and his mother live a very impoverished existence, at a beautiful remote area of the WA coast. The young boy spends most of his days, snorkelling in the Indian Ocean. His father works ‘away’ and contacts them on a regular basis. The family have a strong relationship with the environment and are determined to protect the area from over-fishing and developers.
When swimming, Abel meets up with a huge old fish, which he names Blueback, that comes to trust Abel, and become his aquatic brother.
Will progress ruin the area?
There is no doubt that ‘Blueback’ is a gripping and exciting story, skilfully directed by Philip Mitchell. Complete with enthralling underwater visuals from designer Hanna Parssinen, coupled with the fine support of lighting and production manager, Karen Cook.
The experienced puppeteers, Michael Barlow and Sarah Nelson lovingly operated, with grace and total realism, their giant rod puppets, massive old groper Blueback, and the Bunraku style puppets including crabs, eels and abalone - all stunningly constructed by Greg Methe.
The dialogue (sorry no names available) was spoken clearly and the background music from composer Don Hopkins helped hold the excitement.
Described as a fable for all ages and advertised as suitable particularly for 5 – 15 year olds, the script unfortunately was very rich in description, filled with marine terminology and some dark threads. I think that 10 years upwards would probably most appreciative. Some seven year olds said ‘It was exciting and great, but boring’, I am sure the last adjective related to the intensity of the storyline, which for adults was intriguing. However, the whole very young audience were well-behaved and quiet throughout the performance.
A magical experience for all ages.