Poetic puppet mastery with Ouroboros

3 Jun 2011

Birth, death, life, nothingness, love, hate, beginnings and endings - Janni Younge's handspring puppet production Ouroboros is a simple love story between man and woman. The two main characters Andre, the writer, and Nokobonisa, the dancer, and their young, old and middle-aged selves are beautifully brought to life, expertly and fluidly animated by six puppeteers. The story weaves across time and space flashing back and forth throughout the years and lives of the characters. Often allowing the past, present and future to collide and the three differently aged versions of the characters to interact with each other.

The Beginning ...

... this is where it is simple and new. Based on the poem Aristotle, by Billy Collins, which is really the only narration throughout the play, the production becomes a visual interpretation of that poem; scenes become stanzas and, with no dialogue, the puppets' movements and gestures become the words. The poem becomes a dance.

The Middle ...

... this is where it gets messy. Both characters struggle with past childhood experiences that influence their grown-up selves and get in the way of them of truly committing to each other. Andre, the introverted writer, separates himself from his heart and keeps it locked away in a suitcase under his bed, while Nokobonisa, the dancer, separates herself from reality and disappears into a mythical world where she rides Gemsboks and battles skeleton ghosts. The play is essentially the struggle between these two characters differently aged selves and emotions.

The End ...

... this is where it all culminates. Aptly titled, the play ends at the beginning, reincarnation, re-creation, death is just the birth of a new beginning.

Ouroboros is a truly touching piece of theatre: simple lighting, evocative music, cleverly projected animation and expertly handled puppets combine to create a poignant poetic production that leaves you feeling sadly happy and happily sad.

Ouroboros runs at the Baxter Theatre till 11 June and ticket prices range from R60 to R130. Booking is through Computicket on +27 (0)83 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet countrywide. Follow the production on www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000450807832 and Twitter (http://twitter.com/handspringcc).