By Erth Visual and Physical Inc. written & directed by Scott Wright
Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre
Melbourne, Jan 7 to 19, 2014
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: ***1/2
Review also published in Herald Sun, Jan 9, 2014. KH
Review also published in Herald Sun, Jan 9, 2014. KH
Leallynasaura
If you ever wanted to hug a carnivorous
dinosaur then Erth’s
Dinosaur Zoo, a simple but inventive puppet show, is just the ticket.
Kids are invited on stage to stroke cute baby dinoosaurs,
hypnotise an inquisitive Leaellynasaura, catch a mega-dragonfly, and one little
boy even sticks his head into the mouth of an enormous, toothy Australovenator.
It sounds risky, but this show, written and
directed by Scott Wright, is all safe, cute fun with a few joyfully scary bits to
make the children (5 years +) squeal with delight.
Compere, Michael Cullen, is the most charming
palaeontologist imaginable, and he cleverly weaves fascinating dinosaur facts
into his introductions to the various creatures, all of which were indigenous to Australia
65 million years ago.
Three puppeteers (Andrew Blizzard, Sam Hayes,
Samantha Hickey,) skilfully manipulate and animate the animals (designed by
Steve Howarth), breathing life into them as they walk, run, attack, purr and
roar, until we forget that they are not flesh and blood.
Dinosaur
Zoo is a smart, educational piece that demonstrates how museums can use
entertainment to encourage children to learn more about our great, extinct
fauna.
The
two Leallynasauras are uncannily lifelike with
their huge eyes, ungainly but realistic, emu-like walk and scaly reptile hide.
The carnivorous Australovenator, the skeleton of which was discovered in Victoria only 8
years ago, is a huge hit with its sudden, menacing rushes at the
child-wranglers, its huge, ripping teeth and fearsome roar.
“What
do carnivores eat?” “Meat,” shout the children. ”And what are kids made of|?”
taunts Michael. “Meat,” they shriek excitedly.
The
ridiculously long-necked Titanosaur, a herbavore with a peanut-sized brain, was
a fun addition, but it seems as if the show, at 45 minutes, needs a couple more
dinosaurs to feel complete.
However, if the kids want more, they can pet
some critters in the foyer after the show – then go home and read up on
dinosaurs on their I Pads.
By Kate Herbert
Andrew Blizzard with baby dino
Australovenator
No comments:
Post a Comment