THE SNOW BABY. To 4 January.
Stirling
THE SNOW BABY
by Terry Jones
MacRobert Centre Studio To 4 January 2004
Tue-Sun various dates 10.30,11am,1.30,2,3pm
Runs 50min No interval
TICKETS: 01786 466666
www.macrobert.org
Review: Timothy Ramsden 21 December
A beautifully-told, gently optimistic story for 3+ audiences.At first, I was concerned. As Rick Conte's neighbour hauled in the tree for a happy Christmas, while Gill Robertson's woman settled alone in her flat with the little present he's thoughtfully bought her, it seemed the young audiences might be about to watch a play about the problems Christmas can bring for adults.
But age is soon irrelevant (Robertson runs young people's theatre company Catherine Wheels, co-producers of The Snow Baby, who should know what's called for). A more universal feeling of alone-ness emerges, emphasised by the room being down a small flight of steps. It could be in a depth of despondency, till a star emerges on high. Out from its swings a bright, colourful light, travelling down until it emerges in the room as the Snow Baby, visiting at Christmas.
All kinds of traditional iconography's wrapped up in this bundle of manufactured fur, with a stick obtruding from the back of its head to help Conte manipulate its movement. That's what fact says is happening. But, as the sparely-worded action proceeds, Snow Baby seems alive - as self-willed and adventurous as any young child - not realising trampolining on a chair cushion can lead to landing on a sore head.
Providing not just a companion to play with, but a living creature to care for is vital to Snow Baby's identity. An opportunity fore a self-absorbed lonely person to give as well as receive, and so to be taken out of herself, and eventually from her room too. The shadow images of the pair tobogganing isn't just a theatrical pleasure, but an image of freedom and self-abandonment.
Of course, Snow Baby goes as Christmas Day ends. Not vanishing suddenly, but taking a natural leave, travelling back by the same path of light. It's accepted such gifts don't stay for ever. This is a delightful, beautifully performed piece that allows images and feelings to resonate with audience members, as the best theatre reaching as young as 3 year olds always does.
However sensitive the production, with such young audiences it's always possible to find somebody who's overwhelmed by the experience. One girl was in near panic within a couple of minutes. Her mother took her aside, creating a secure place for themselves. Instead of merely leaving she slowly calmed, then focused her daughter's attention on the action. First the cries stopped, then the distressed look calmed, and the attention moved more back to the stage. Not the easier option of walking-out but something far more positive, and beautifully in tune with theThe Snow Baby itself.
Performers: Gill Robertson, Rick Conte
Director: Jay Manley
Designer: Karen Tennant
Lighting Fleur Woolford
Sound: Robert Burlin
2003-12-29 11:24:37