First you hear the bouncing clarinet, the drum thump, the cymbals push; the spot illuminates the one-man-band. It’s busking time! A second spot shows the tiny head of hand-puppet death peeking through the curtains. Out he comes, already fighting for control of the performance with his puppeteer. Ignored through the first minutes of puppet/puppeteer jousting is wheel-chair bound, frail, aged victim-to-be of death. This is her story.
Many Aspects of Puppet and Musical Artistry
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival 2019 Compagnie La Pendue’s TRIA FATA (the three fates of Greek mythology) tells the life story of a midwife, horribly and comically born of a caesarian self-performed by her mother – with a Thanksgiving- turkey-style electric knife. In this spirited production there are hand, string, shadow and rod puppets, created and brought to life by puppeteer Estelle Charlier. Driving music and vocals are delivered by Martin Kaspar Lauchli. The passages of the midwife’s life are fleetingly illustrated with slides projected on screens manipulated by Charlier, illustrating the fleeting nature of time.
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Performance IS An Ethereal Experience
The funny and poignant performance of TRIA FATA brought to the mind of this reviewer blowing a dandelion head – ethereal, satisfying and over too quickly.
Credits:
Puppeteer: Estelle Charlier
Music: Martin Kaspar Lauchli
Director: Romuald Collinet
For more information on upcoming Chicago International Puppet Festival read 2019 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival PREVIEW
Photos courtesy of Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival 2019
Reviewer Ann Boland is committed to Chicago theater. Involved in the audience since the early 80’s, she’s witnessed firsthand the rise of our theater scene, our exceptional local talent, and the vigor of each new generation. Ann handles public relations for authors and works on programs to help seniors with neurological movement disorders. Please visit her website for more information.
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