Kepler is a reclusive, slightly awkward, astronomer who experiences life through the lens of his telescope. While searching for meaning in the stars, he unwittingly falls in love with Tomasina, and they embark on a life together.
But this is not your typical fairy tale; Tomasina is killed suddenly in a freak accident, leaving Kepler bereft.
But could there be a way for Kepler to find his true love once more?
This entrancingly delicate play by London’s Unicorn Theatre deals with death, grief and the intense longing for those we have lost.
There is a breathless energy to the artists, who perform a high-wire act in bringing the show to life. Four video cameras are employed on stage, each positioned in front of a small scene. The puppeteers work frantically across these mini-backdrops, splicing the tiny imagery into a seamless film projected on the screen above.
There are few bright colours or flashing lights for the overstimulated; the palette is muted and the composition simple. For those weary of the sugar-high of Hollywood kid flicks, this lo-fi feel will be a welcome antidote. If Frozen or Toy Story is cinematic sherbet, Something Very Far Away is hearty minestrone, made by your nonna.
The original score, performed live, underlines the emotional intensity at play. A quiet scene after the funeral of Tomasina, with Kepler sitting alone on a park bench, is devastating: the mournful guitar chords a potent symbol of his desolation.
All this may not sound like your typical children’s show. Some in the audience seemed shocked by the darker territory explored. Indeed, many adults were quietly wiping away tears throughout – it is a heartbreakingly beautiful story.
While some kids (and adults) may find this tough terrain, it’s well worth following Kepler on his difficult, incredible journey.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Something Very Far Away
Presented by Unicorn Theatre and Melbourne Festival
Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne
18 – 19 October
Melbourne Festival
www.melbournefestival.com.au
10-26 October
