Prince offers warm-hearted theatre
The Little Prince, Two Productions, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, until February 18.
I’ve long suspected that open-air theatre represents the triumph of cock-eyed optimism over meteorological realities.
The 2018 Anthony Harper Summer Theatre season of The
Little Prince proves my point. Last Thursday’s opening night was cancelled after cyclonic winds created a potential disaster zone in the Botanic Gardens. Friday night featured threatening clouds and a keen southerly, while Saturday’s matinee was played in equally chilly winds and what could be euphemistically described as ‘‘passing showers’’.
Luckily, this little prince is built of stronger stuff. Adapted from the 1943 novella by the French writer Antoine de SaintExupery, The Little Prince remains one of the world’s best-loved books. A poetic tale, a philosophical fantasy or an observation on the human condition – it’s a story for all seasons and ages.
Directed by Tom Eason and Holly Chappell-Eason, this adaptation by Two Productions contains the book’s essential whimsy and wonderment. The use of the human actors alongside puppets is especially effective – one containing the spirit of traditional Japanese puppet theatre (Bunraku) without slavishly copying it. Owen Marshall’s designs likewise reflect Saint-Exupery’s evocative watercolour illustrations. Visually, the production features an elegant, but effective simplicity.
The story begins when an aviator lost in the desert encounters a young boy from a very, very small star. The Little Prince recounts his adventures while exploring other planets, eventually leaving his new friend a little wiser about human nature.
The central character of the pilot was played with considerable panache for this performance by William Burns (Tom Eason plays the role alternatively), while the two other main players (Liv Parker and Rutene Spooner) inject their own verve and energy into the varied roles.
The hardworking ensemble cast, drawn from the Original Scripts Theatre School, add vibrancy and enthusiasm to the production. Their bounding energy, however, at times led to lines being rushed and difficult to hear.
The production is still feel-good stuff: innovative, blithe spirited and performed (and produced) with a spirit of professionalism. Pack a seat, a rug, and the younger members of the clan – plus your imagination – to experience this warm-hearted moment of theatre.
Nevertheless, it still carries those two familiar Christchurch words: weather dependant.