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The Nargun and the Stars Erth - Visual & Physical
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Based on the novel by
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Patricia Wrightson |
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Adapted by
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Verity Laughton |
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Co-Directors
Featuring
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Scott Wright & Wesley Enoch
Bill Young, Annie Byron, Tom Green |
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Assoc. Puppetry Director
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Colin Sneesby |
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Designers
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Steve Howarth & Bryony Anderson |
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Composer
Audiovisual Artist
Puppeteers
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Phil Downing
Samuel James
Colin Sneesby, Jacob Boehme, Sharon Kerr, Josh Bond, Jo Clancy |
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The magical world of Patricia Wrightson’s much-loved novel comes to life on stage in a stunning visual feast, combining ERTH’s large scale puppets, live actors, and digital animation. |
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The story follows Simon, a boy orphaned and relocated to his distant cousins’ bush farm, where he soon meets the trickster Potkoorok, the mischievous Turongs and the cave-dwelling Nyols.
This peaceful haven is disrupted by the arrival of the Nargun. Disturbed by development in the valley, this terrifying stone creature threatens the destruction of the farm and its inhabitants, and Simon finds himself in a struggle with a power out of the depths of time.
Human and creature face off, a storm rages through the theatre, and a bulldozer disappears before your eyes, but always grounding the spectacle are Wrightson’s warmth, humour and richly drawn characters.
This story of adventure and discovery for young people also delivers a vital message of respect for Indigenous culture, the land and its folklore.
The adaptation is informed by ERTH’s on-going consultation with the original story owners, the Gunai/Kurnai, Monaro and Boon Wurrung communities of East Gippsland. |
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www.erth.com.au |
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Commissioned by Sydney Festival and Perth International Arts Festival, and premiered in January 2009. |
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This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, Sydney Festival Perth International Arts Festival and Barking Gecko Theatre Company; by the Australia Council’s Theatre Board; by the NSW Government through Arts NSW; and by Marrickville Council and CarriageWorks. |
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"The result is a wonderful show, eminently watchable and full of delights… The visual imagination and technical adventurousness is matched with a coherent and resonant narrative. Everything works, from Young's and Byron's initial laconic heartiness (nodding slightly towards Australian Gothic), Phil Downing's excellent music, Sam James's lovely video and, especially, the visual inventiveness and scale of the thing…. It is a rare and pleasurable work that manages technical brilliance, cultural insight and enchantment all in one go." Stephen Dunne, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19/1/09 |
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"Stunning visuals, innovative puppetry and a gorgeous Australian storyline make Scott Wright’s The Nargun and the Stars an absolute must-see production for all… This beautiful production is brilliantly constructed and executed with real innovation. Each character is brought to life in spectacular fashion, with faultless movement and expression… The entire cast and crew must be immensely proud of this tribute to the culture of indigenous Australians. Children in the audience were absorbed and adults were in awe. " Alicia Bridges, Perth Now, 20/2/09 |
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"A visual masterpiece… Wrightson’s narrative follows indigenous folklore and is designed for an 8-13 year old audience. Yet its technical brilliance and rich themes cater for all… An enchanting story that no child should miss." Sally Craig, Arts Hub, 20/1/09 |
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