The Arrival by Shaun Tan
I went to a show this afternoon. A show that, on Thursday, I wouldn't even have thought about it, contemplated it. Such a lot of difference 3 days make!!
A picture book by Shaun Tan was Australian Picture Book of the Year in 2007. No words, stunning illustrations. What would you expect?
Kate Parker didn't know about the award when she spoke to Shaun Tan about turning said picture book into a stage show. He gave his permission - partly due to the intended construction of most of the set and props using cardboard and paper.
The book, I should say, is "The Arrival", conceived of and illustrated by Shaun Tan.
The stage show is incredible - hugely due to its being faithful to the book - though they added some of their own inspiration (with the permission of Shaun Tan) - a made up language which allows for dialogue, but still without the understanding of what is going on. And a shadow puppet scene which shows the terror and size of the invasion. But other than that, the play is entirely faithful to the book (something I checked after the performance by visiting Borders, not wanting to take myself out of the mood the show created).
ALL the creatures are represented, gorgeously and full of language and activity. It is as faithful to the books as I often wish movies are.
I wish I could find the words to explain how much I love it!
I hope this show travels. I hope it survives. It wasn't a sell out show this afternoon, and I doubt it'll sell out tonight or tomorrow - or that it sold out before that. And it's sad. This show deserves so much more than only one level of seating, deserves far more than five shows - six if you count the schools only performance yesterday.
If you think I'm biased, check out the reviews:
Auckland Festival information
NZ Herald preview
NZ Herald review
Theatreview review
For those not familiar with the book, check out this page on Shaun Tan's Website.
A picture book by Shaun Tan was Australian Picture Book of the Year in 2007. No words, stunning illustrations. What would you expect?
Kate Parker didn't know about the award when she spoke to Shaun Tan about turning said picture book into a stage show. He gave his permission - partly due to the intended construction of most of the set and props using cardboard and paper.
The book, I should say, is "The Arrival", conceived of and illustrated by Shaun Tan.
The stage show is incredible - hugely due to its being faithful to the book - though they added some of their own inspiration (with the permission of Shaun Tan) - a made up language which allows for dialogue, but still without the understanding of what is going on. And a shadow puppet scene which shows the terror and size of the invasion. But other than that, the play is entirely faithful to the book (something I checked after the performance by visiting Borders, not wanting to take myself out of the mood the show created).
ALL the creatures are represented, gorgeously and full of language and activity. It is as faithful to the books as I often wish movies are.
I wish I could find the words to explain how much I love it!
I hope this show travels. I hope it survives. It wasn't a sell out show this afternoon, and I doubt it'll sell out tonight or tomorrow - or that it sold out before that. And it's sad. This show deserves so much more than only one level of seating, deserves far more than five shows - six if you count the schools only performance yesterday.
If you think I'm biased, check out the reviews:
Auckland Festival information
NZ Herald preview
NZ Herald review
Theatreview review
For those not familiar with the book, check out this page on Shaun Tan's Website.