Children's Theater, re-done

[furtech]

While on a recent visit with iisaw, Tay and Carol in the lovely home in the hills, we had one of the most inspiring conversations I've had in recent memory. I asked Carol about their visits to the "Edinburgh Fringe Festival" and how she managed to get an entire theater company over there to perform in this amazing theater festival. The discussion of logistics would be of interest to any organizer, but it was Eric and Carol's description of the festival itself that I found intriguing.

The Edinburgh Fringe Fest is barely controlled chaos: theater companies from all over the world come to Edinburgh and perform in any (and I mean, -any-) available space in the city. From the spaces beneath bridges to the back rooms of Pubs (seating maybe ten people). This is a magnificent mix of spectacle and disaster; comfy venues and legit theaters; great shows and Lunestra substitutes. If a show isn't entertaining, walk out and into the theater next door. Wonderful stuff. Someday, maybe.

Part of that discussion was about one of my favorite hobbies: children's theater. My "pony-for-christmas." I believe there is such potential to create clever and entertaining shows for kids...yet when I go to see them (good reviews and all), I am disappointed more often than not. Then a friends points me at this production:

Neil Gaiman's "The Wolves in the Walls."

While seeing this will be the real trial, the information and reviews and pictures (not to mention the creative personnel involved) tells me that this could be something wonderful. This is supposedly coming to the US in 2007: I'll make a huge effort to catch it!



PS: Eric-- show Carol these links! When we talked about what I would consider my ontological children's show, this comes pretty damned close. Make sure she clicks on the "interviews" link-- great stuff with Neil Gaiman and the creative designer of the show!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2101-2087275,00.html

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/reviews/observer/story/0,,1744702,00.html

Comments

[cooner.livejournal.com]

Just from that tiny little inset photo, it looks like you secretly dashed over to Scotland to do some costume head design for them ;)

[iisaw.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, baby! I am so there! I've pointed Carol here.

[scot-fox.livejournal.com]

hehe, not only all of that, some people do their shows on the streets for nothing if they can't get a place to perform, but the best do come.

[mognetcentral.livejournal.com]

That is so cool--let me know if you hear anything about a US production of the show.

I've been to several Neil Gaiman readings, and he always has a way of making me feel like a happy little preschooler. (And he kissed me on the cheek!!!)

[smashwolf.livejournal.com]

I loved Neil Gaiman;s work that I have seen so far. Especially Neverwhere... This will be a show to see. Question is , where. If it shows in San Francisco easy enough, but if it shows down in LA, and I miss the billing for it, PLEASE let me know, as I'll drive down there to see it!

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

Wolves with a vaccuum cleaner.. I hope that is as hilarious as it looks :D

[furtech.livejournal.com]

I love that they went full-on with cartoony wolf puppets! And yes-- they're certainly in the style I so adore...!

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Talk about timing! Right after our discussion about children's theater! This sounds like a perfect example of what I've been looking for (with the added insurance that Gaiman's involvement will keep the story/dialogue from being dumb'd down).

[furtech.livejournal.com]

That's what I was told: FF is a theater festival in every sense of the word. That aspect is exactly what appeals to me: it's not just big productions. The small independents sometimes come up with the most unique, entertaining shows (though there is a lot of chaffe).

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Considering Gaiman's involvement, I'm sure that the show will get a lot of publicity. I had not gotten into Gaiman's adult works (including his comic work), but I love his shorter works and children's book. I got to see him on a panel about children's literature and he mentioned the most twisted, obscure and fascinating children's books as his influence when he was growing up. Absolutely amazing speaker and writer.

And yeah-- he makes me feel the same way when I hear him read or speak. (But no kiss for me!)

[furtech.livejournal.com]

(See above)
Again, considering Gaiman's involvement and the quirkiness of the production, I'm pretty sure the show will get a lot of attention when it gets over here. I'll definitely crow about it when I hear details!

[furtech.livejournal.com]

The book is unique and the author involved, so I'm sure it will be a frenetic romp.