This article is from page 71 of the 2008-08-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 71 JPG
WHEN Crack’d Spoon Theatre was formed just over 12 months ago the fledging theatre group promised to introduce new forms of theatre to west Clare.
The Kilkee group has delivered on that promise as it brings the first taste of physical theatre by a Clare group to west Clare.
Influenced by local artist and Ger- man native Astrid Adler the latest production draws from the European Experience of Theatre.
The mime artist, who now lives in Monmore was part of the group that led a workshops held in Kilrush through May and June.
She worked with the production team comprising of Rob Hopkins who concentrated on improvisa-
tion and co-founder Mick Daly who worked on Group Dynamics.
A powerful creative force was un- leashed at the workshops and the result was a series of interconnected sketches drawing on physical theatre techniques and using light and shad- ow to create strange and wonderful atmospheres.
Working on this the group made up of actors, professional theatre producers and members of the local community put together the produc- tion “The Trip” – which according to Mr Hopkins “takes a side way look at the tourist experience 1n west Orem
In the process of developing the show the group started to experiment with the stage as a black box, and created a black box theatre.
“We got away from talking and
guided tours, and gave people a more physical experience of what hap- pens,’ he said.
The play consists of comedy sketches without or with minimised dialogue, elements of dance, pup- petry and song.
With this form of theatre objects come to life and animals appear as if by magic.
“We fish, birdspot, cliff walk and coach tour in the company of this enigmatic troupe who give the West Clare Experience a surreal twist,” said Mr Hopkins.
“Tt is slightly farcical or slightly bi- zarre.”
The show will take place in the Kilkee Community Centre on Fri- day next, August 8, and the follow- ing Friday, August 15, having re- ceived its first outing on Friday last.
Door opens at 8pm with curtain at oe) 9) 008
Crack’d Spoon Theatre plans to take the show on the road in Septem- ber or October.
The advantageous theatre company planned an old fashioned variety show just two months after it was formed in July 2007.
The brainchild of Kilkee thespians Kenneth Blowers and Mick Daly, the company achieved its goal then and is Just as determined to reach the new goal it has now set itself.