Well, the AK05 (Auckland performing arts festival) is underway, and thus far I have seen two acts (and one of them, twice!)
The Bangarra dance company, in their performance of "Bush". I liked the "animalistic" movements, and the old lady character that appeared throughout.
But now, I will unashamedly rave about how much I enjoyed SOMA's Cabaret Décadanse.
(This was the one I have been to see twice.)
I love puppetry, especially this kind of puppetry.
The energy of two (and sometimes even three!) people, being poured into one object (the puppet) makes for a larger than life personality, with attitude!
I also really wish there were people like these in Auckland (the puppeteers, that is), but I have not yet found them, and it's not for want of trying.
Puppetry is much misunderstood I think - and overlooked, or regarded as "for children".
I think it moves us to the joy that a child might feel, when it is really done well. Well, it moves me at any rate.
I was so happy to have a chance to talk to the performers after the show, and I sorely wish I had been able to attend their talk of a few days before - if I had only known about it at the time! Still, to talk to them last night was good. I'd have loved to ask them more about what they thought/how they felt about puppetry
("character(s)" are an obsession of mine) but there are only so many hours in the day, and even less at night! Thankyou SOMA, wherever you are now. It was a treat, and you folk are the best.
And Lorraine, she is "tres magnifique"! :)