Blueback

Blueback
By Tim Winton, adapted by Peta Murray, Directed by Phillip Mitchell. Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Fremantle, WA. July 4-18, 2015

Blueback, a lovely adaptation of the novel by Tim Winton, is being revived at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle. The theatrical retelling by Peta Murray, is a visually focused, gentle story, perfect for a school holiday reprieve.

Possibly stronger than its previous incarnation, Blueback is presented by actors Bec Bradley and St John Cowcher, who perform almost wordlessly to a beautifully constructed narrative, supplemented by music by Don Hopkins.

Hanna Parssinen's puppet design is really likeable, especially the central figure the groper Blueback and the various incarnations of protagonist Abel and his mother.

Blueback is studied in many WA schools in Upper Primary or Early High School and I urge any young person likely to study the text, to see the play, which offers a unique perspective on the text. Otherwise I recommend it to all but the most impatient school aged children.

Not an action-packed show, but one that will provoke thought and discussion. A gorgeously presented version of a favourite WA book.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer:: Matthew Scurfield

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