by Rose Rushe
A BEDTIME storybook created by a local creative for her godson is the platform for a delightful puppet show. ‘SPUN’ will be part of Bualadh Bos children’s festival of theatre and books so set aside time for three dates at No. 69 O’Connell Street for its magic: on Tuesday October 14 at 7pm or Wednesday 15 at 10am and 12noon, again on Thursday 16 at 10am and 12noon.
Emma Fisher of Beyond the Bark, set designer for productions such as ‘What Happened Bridgie Cleary’ and ‘An Táin’, is co-architect of SPUN the book, and now the puppet animation show, with illustrator Thorey Majallhvit.
With the book published by their own Snow and Bark Books (Thorey is Icelandic) thanks to crowd funding, they are hugely appreciative of same and the c.€19,500 from City of Culture to develop a children’s show for the festival.
“Taking reality into the imaginative and fantastical,” is core to Beyond the Bark’s mission. Look forward to a 45 minute story played out between Piedva, the imaginary spider friend of her then three year-old godson Ciaran, who weaves a ladder to the high seas of ducks, fishes, a whale, turtle and flight of dreamlike fancy.
Fisher’s hero in puppetry, Liz Walker of UK-based company Invisible Thread, is brought in to direct. “There’s a big team behind ‘SPUN’.. everything works on pulley and ropes, a set operated by John Galvin on sound, set and pulleys”.
Children and parents are invited to gather around the stage at 69 O’Connell Street on cushions and immerse themselves in other-worldly waves, uplifted by animation, puppets, shadows and the gossamer spin of a spider called Piedva.
Book with www.limetreetheatre.ie for all Bualadh Bos shows
Salon in the city
A FIRST Salon du Chat for children in Limerick is also part of Bualadh Bos book and theatre festival on Saturday October 11, at 69 O’Connell Street. Ideal for 4th, 5th and 6th classes, kids will be welcomed with a cookie, milk, the ‘talk’ menu and engaged in topics by a facilitator.
From 12noon to 1pm this Saturday. Lime Tree for tickets: 061-774774
