Image by Jessica Wyld Photography (supplied)
This sinuously performed combination of puppetry, music and fine acting in The Deep shows that entertaining both adults and children is not impossible… for just under an hour anyway.
Katya Shevtsov plays Alice, the girl who is afraid of swimming in the deep (based on the well-loved children’s book by Tim Winton), and authentically portrays her with childish awe and delight. The four actors in this ensemble work are a graceful combination of bouncing off each other in an excellent performance as well as nicely honed comedic gems – particularly well done by Michael Barlow as ‘Dad’. The direction often capitalises on simple physical comedy, with ‘Mum’ played by Shirley van Sanden utilising slapstick humour – their joy in the roles is perhaps reflective of being original cast members.
Director Noriko Nishimoto is the elder stateswoman of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and her creative direction is clear; and even though this piece was first performed 12 years ago, it has been re-invented and is fresh, bright and imaginative. The set and lighting design is wonderfully evocative with magnificent sandcastles and underwater scenes. The music and sound is an integral part of the overall performance and Lee Buddle’s work here is incredibly effective.
The litheness and grace in movements of the performers is the aspect that struck me the most, and I was particularly appreciative of the comic swimming of Alice’s brother Harry – who is a perfectly imagined puppet. In the meantime the ‘bucketheads’ mill about, paddling, dancing, boating, balls emulating piles of ocean bubbles, the bliss of ocean tranquility evoked and the sea animals play – we even get an exquisite dolphin puppet. Spare Parts Puppet Theatre excels in showing us the magic in creative puppetry, and how human and inanimate object collide in a flurry of illuminating emotions.
And, as behind us, the little girl kept asking – ‘when is she coming out of the water, Daddy?’ it was almost as though Alice couldn’t stop swimming once she found out how much fun it was – a visual treat for all ages that you should try and catch on its National Tour from March to May 2014 or January in Perth.
4.5 Stars
Based on the book by Tim Winton with Adapting Writer Justin Cheek.
Directed by Noriko Nishimoto.
Performed by Michael Barlow, Jacob Lehrer, Katya Shevtsov, and Shirley Van Sanden.
Co-Devisors Justin Cheek, Noriko Nishimoto & Rachael Whitworth.
Puppet Construction Jane Davies, Cecile Williams & Jiri Zmitko.
Designer Cecile Williams.
Costume Design by Helga Dietz.
Composer Lee Buddle.
Original Lighting Design by Jan Coenraats.
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, 1 Short Street, Fremantle at 10am & 1pm.
4 week Perth season starts January 6th – February 1st 2014.
National Australian Tour from March 28th –May 23rd 2014 including Tasmania, Victoria, NSW & Qld. Check out http://www.sppt.asn.au for specific tour dates in your town.
