The holiday season is the time when theatre companies break out the family fare, and this year Alberta Theatre Projects in collaboration with the Old Trout Puppet Workshop chose to present the classic fable "Pinocchio."
This isn’t, however, Walt Disney’s version.
"The original story, and this play are much darker then the Disney Movie," director Vanessa Porteous told GayCalgary.com
It was a long process from the initial concept to the play unfolding upon the stage. The idea took form dating back to September 2003.
"It is quite a process to create the script, craft the puppets and create the sets," Porteous said.
Based on the original Carlo Collodi classic – more provocative and surreal than the Disney film – Pinocchio is the story of Geppetto (in human form, played by Doug McKeag), who has crafted himself a wooden puppet that he names Pinocchio (Jeff Palmer). During the night, Pinocchio cuts himself free of his strings and wreaks havoc – this puppet is a selfish fellow who constantly breaks promises. This gets him into all sorts of trouble, such as being chased through a graveyard by ghosts, and thrown in a dungeon, sentenced to death.
At times the play is shocking in its darkness and talk of death. However this aspect adds to the surrealism and uniqueness of what unfolds on stage. At the heart of the story is simply a father’s love for his son, and the quest for all of us to be something more – in this case, a real boy.
The puppets are designed as "football helmets" – carved wooden heads on block bodies, worn by the performers. Seeing the puppets talk is extraordinary, and you are quickly swept up in the magic and beauty. It is evident that a great deal of time and effort was put into creating the different puppets, and it was an exceptional pay off.
The sets are dazzling, with elaborate backgrounds that move in and out of the scene, some props becoming puppets themselves. Many of the classic elements such as the Blue Fairy, the Donkey and its master, the sea monster, and the talking cricket are all present.
This truly is a show for the whole family, although probably isn’t suitable for very small children due to some frightening moments. The Old Trout Puppet Workshop has included a number of subtle jokes that had many of the adults in the audience laughing, including a dig at Disney. It speaks to the incredible talents of everyone involved in the production to have crafted such an elaborate and beautiful piece of work.
The holidays are a time of warmth and family, and Pinocchio embodies both of these things. ATP’s holiday offering is a chance to spend quality time with special people in our lives of any age. It truly is a magical experience that everyone should experience.
Pinocchio runs at the Martha Cohen Theatre at the EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts until December 30th.
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Contributor Jason Clevett |
Locale Calgary |
Topic Alberta Theatre Projects | Theatre |
