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