This left such an indelible impression on me as a parent that I really had to pen my thoughts on it and share it.
What is it?
This is a live performance of 3 of award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, are retold on stage by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets.
Adapted, designed and directed by Jim Morrow, with music by Steven Naylor and narration by Gordon Pinsent, the hour-long production features the imaginative approach to storytelling through theatre that has earned international recognition for Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (which hails from Canada).
How was the experience?
Cutting cutting to the chase, I think this is one production parents with young children (3 to 7 yrs old) should not miss. Why?
1. Coming to life: For those who are familiar with the hugely popular stories, this is literally seeing the books come to life! I was very impressed that the art work and even the colours were exactly matched to the book. The narration was short, simple yet engaging, in fact, close your eyes and it is like a high quality audio book playback.
Photo credit: Mermaid Theatre
2. Simple yet superb ‘acting’: Given that it’s a production for children, the ‘acting’ was done through puppetry with actors dressed in black moving the characters and props illuminated by UV light. We could vaguely see certain part of the actors but not the details of how they move the props and characters in sync to the narration. This added to the intrigue which certainly kept even our lively 3 year-old engaged throughout the show.
Photo credit: Mermaid Theatre
3. Masterful, creative puppetry: Having read the book countless times to my daughter when she was young and now to my 3 yr old son, we are very familiar with the stories. I was wondering how they were going to portray the certain scenes like the caterpillar eating through the fruits but they did it so masterfully along with the other scenes such as rain falling from the clouds and the caterpillar climbing the tree etc…I won’t spoil it for you. You must watch this masterful puppetry for yourself.
Photo credit: Mermaid Theatre
4. Q & A: This was, again, an unusual but pleasant surprise! Right at the end of the performance, the cast and crew took questions from the audience, particularly kids. They even gamely brought out their puppets, including the ‘rock star’ Hungry Caterpillar itself, and showed us how they operated these props. Nothing hidden, everything creative. This provides an excellent opportunity for my older child to gain some creative insights about staging a simple drama and play. What a bonus!
Photo credit: Mermaid Theatre
Post-show: Enhancing your experience
1. The 3 stories are weaved together by the central themes of self-identity, acceptance and finding contentment. For older kids (6 yrs and up), parents may want to ask their children the following questions to guide them to appreciate the themes and allegories behind the stories, particularly from the Little Cloud and The Mixed-up Chameleon:
a. What were the different things / forms which the Little Cloud imagine itself as?
b. Why did the little cloud imagine itself in so many different forms?
c. What did the little cloud achieve at the end and how was it done?
d. Does size or age matter when we want to achieve something?
e. Why did the Chamaleon want to be so many different animals?
f. How did the Chamaleon look as he took on the different traitmarks of the animals?
g. How did the Chameleon feel at the end?
h. How different are you from the other friends you know?
i. What strengths or special talents do you have?
j. How do you think you can be contented?
Aside for a search for self-identity and acceptance, the stories have hints on the importance of an inclusive society.
Photo credit: Mermaid Theatre
2. Noise: At the start of the production, the commentator pre-ampted the audience that this is a ‘non-sush’ performance , which means children are welcomed to react and respond verbally to the performance. So, do expect plenty of kids’ voices and reactions which honestly added to the whole experience for me…and frankly, brought out the kid in me too! Sometimes, we suppress too much as adults.
The Hungry Caterpillar and other stories is not to be missed but sadly they are only here in Singapore for a week before it ends its run on 15 Oct 2017. So hurry, secure your tickets from SISTIC to catch them before they fly, climb or crawl away!
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