Based on the book by
Shaun Tan
Directed by Philip
Mitchell
Spare Parts Puppet
Theatre
The Street Theatre to
30 September
Reviewed by Len Power
27 September 2017
Shaun Tan’s wordless ‘graphic’ novel, ‘The Arrival’, was based
on stories from his friends, historical narratives and also his own father who
immigrated to Australia from Malaysia in the early 1960s.
The story has a timeless feeling about it as we follow the experiences
of Aki, a migrant who leaves his wife and family to travel overseas to a
foreign country with the goal to provide a better life for them all eventually. We follow his interaction with people and
their strange customs. Life is hard but
he finds work, earns money, makes new friends and builds for the future.
This is a startlingly good theatre version of Tan’s
novel. Philip Mitchell’s production utilizes
projections, puppets, light and sound to capture the dreamlike, timeless
atmosphere of this compelling story.
 |
| Ellis Pearson as Aki |
As Aki, Ellis Pearson beautifully creates a likeable and
moving character without the benefit of words.
The other cast members, Alicia Osyka, Adrienne Patterson and Shirley van
Sanden give nicely realized portrayals of people Aki interacts with.
This show makes clever use of projections especially when a
sense of movement is required. There are
imaginative touches throughout the show.
Even the changing doors on the set are interesting. The puppets are delightful and the actors show
great skill working with them. The paper
bird suddenly taking wing was especially magical.
 |
| Shirley van Sanden |
The lighting designed by Graham Waine and the sound by Jiri Zmitko
complement the action on stage perfectly.
This show might be aimed at children but its themes and
production will appeal just as much to adults.
At the opening performance, even very young children were clearly captivated
by this show from start to finish.
Photos by Rebecca Mansell
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s new ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
3.30pm and on ‘Artcetera’ from 9.00am on Saturdays.