The able Snow Goose crew combines mask and theatre mastery
Plett theatre lovers are in for a treat when critically-acclaimed ‘The Snow Goose’ is performed at The White House Theatre on February 28.
Paul Gallico’s classic novella ‘The Snow Goose’ has been beautifully adapted for the stage by seasoned dramatists Contagious Theatre.
Set against the background of the miracle of Dunkirk, a wounded snow goose brings a young girl, Frith, and the recluse Philip Rhayader together in a moving story of friendship and courage.
Taking on a classic text for the stage is no easy task, and adapting Paul Gallico’s masterpiece was no exception. Long-time theatre producers Simon and Helen Cooper approached Jenine Collocott, James Cairns, and Taryn Bennett with this can-it-be-done challenge.
Simon and Helen both remember The Snow Goose’ from childhood days and loved the idea of seeing it come to life on stage. Jenine was studying theatre creation in Italy at the time with internationally-celebrated pedagogue Giovanni Fusetti, and upon receiving their request immediately said ‘yes!’
Only then did she brave the cobbled streets of Florence to find its only English bookshop and buy herself a copy of the novella. But the idea of working with this brilliant team was enough to Settle deal.
Mask theatre and mask-making formed a major part of Jenine’s sojourn in Florence, where she studied with master mask maker Matteo Destro. When pondering adapting The Snow Goose’, she decided to bring this unique art form to the rehearsal room floor.
Masks make visible the inner life of characters, releasing their subtext to pour out onto the stage. And with a story as sensitive and emotional as The Snow Goose’, this turned out to be a wonderful choice.
It was the first time James or Taryn had ever played in masks and they found the process challenging and ultimately tremendously freeing. Masks allow actors to have a whole new sense of fun on stage.
‘The Snow Goose’ opened to critical acclaim at the National Arts Festival in 2013 and has since played all around the country. It was nominated for Best Director, Best Play, and Best Ensemble at the Naledi Theatre Awards, and for Best Design and Best Puppetry at the Fleur Du Cap Theatre Awards.
This month’s run is its first outing to Knysna, George, Plett, and PE.
Diarise February 24 at The Premier Hotel in Knysna (10 am Knysna. kaf@gmail.com) and February 28 at The White House Theatre in Plett (8 pm 082 452 8764) and visit www.contagioustheatre.co.za or call 084 360 5892 for more details.
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