A mesmerising story of love, hope and peace

Written by Peter Hayes and directed by Jaqueline Dommisse of the Hearts & Eyes Theatre Collective, Sadako tells the powerful true life story of a Japanese girl who, in life and death, defeated the destruction of the atomic bomb that was dropped on her home town, Hiroshima. Her belief in the Japanese legend of 1000 origami paper cranes and the power of a single wish helped her to stay strong when she was fighting the "atomic bomb disease", leukaemia. Her wish at first was for healing and a long life, but later she asked for something more profound, something that the world is still searching for today ...

It is an emotional and heartfelt story about love, hope and peace - words that we so often use without a deep understanding of the true meaning. The puppet theatre production, Sadako, carries this message in such a captivating and imaginative way, touching hearts of young and old alike. It is completely mesmerising to see these puppets come to life and to see how the audience connects to them as though they are real people. You experience their triumphs and tribulations, laugh at their humour and cry when they are unhappy or sad.

Haunting voice

The cast and puppeteers are all extremely talented, but it is the excellent performance of Lee-Ann van Rooi as Fujiko, Sadako's mother, which stands out the most. Her haunting voice plugs at your heartstrings when she sings a song about blossoms on an apple tree, then the season changes and the autumn leaves are falling, describing in this the stages of her daughter's life.

The personalities and uniqueness of each character make for a lot of lighter, humorous moments with laughter from the audience.

The sequence when the little girl trains for athletics is truly special, showing the skills of the puppeteers in the movement of the puppets when Sadako takes of her shoes and socks, runs and stretches like a real little girl. The beautifully crafted puppets, designed by Janni Younge, make this whole experience even more believable.

The set, lighting and miniature props come together to make this experience even more magical with the most beautiful moments being when Sadako and her family place lanterns on a flowing river of lights, remembering all who died that tragic day.

This is a serious theatre work at its best created with young audiences in mind that will not only educate but grow their minds and imagination in the process.

Sadako runs at the Baxter Flipside from 30 July until 10 August with performances from Monday to Friday at 6.30pm and on Saturdays at 3pm and 6.30pm. Tickets cost R110 to R140 per person via Computicket. Schools performances (suitable only for children from the age of 11 upwards), take place on 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 August at 10am. Special discounts are available for group bookings, students and pensioners. As part of the France/South Africa Season 2012 and 2013, in September the production tours to France, including an invitation to the prestigious World Puppetry Festival in Charleville-Mèziére.

Read more about Sadako at www.writingstudio.co.za/page1746.html

Photography by Allison Foat