9/20/2014 0 Comments X | Third Street Theatre“Drake – who is a remarkable special effect all on his own… animates the puppets, the puppets meld into the animated projections, and all unite to create one very spellbinding and heavily populated one-man-show." – Drew RowsomeThis show is remarkable for all of the components that had to come together to tell an interesting and complex story. There were unusual puppets, elaborate projection, stop animation, live action, and an audience suspension of disbelief.
Sunny Drake shares his story (but it's not really autobiographical, really it's not) in a unique and memorable way. Through the use of a variety of media, and storytelling methods (including flashback scenes and metaphorical journeys into the forgotten wasteland), Sunny has the audience ruminate about various forms of addiction and the lasting impacts that has on sexuality, identity, health, well-being, and self-worth. Autobiographical or not, the themes presented are, I suppose, universal. In reflection, it would have helped to be an Alcoholic Transgender Australian, in order to have a full understanding of the issues and concerns raised. Since I am none of these (although I can't speak for the rest of the audience), I wonder if there was something I missed. The gimmick of the show was memorable, but the content and the execution of some parts were a little off. To me, the theme of alcoholism and addiction seemed a little forced and immature - as when grade school students give a presentation about sex, drugs and rock-n-roll without ever have experiencing any of those in real life. It's remarkable that this one person was able to put together such an exceptionally complex show - incorporating puppetry, stop animation, digital projection and live action, and for that Sunny needs to be commended. He's an unusually gifted performer with an interesting story to tell. Third Street Theatre: http://thirdstreet.ca/2014-2015-season/x/ |
AuthorMonti Tanner (he/him) BEd, BA, MEd Archives
May 2023
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