Sputnik tests puppeteer’s skills
St John Cowcher takes over Tim Watt’s creation for PuSh Festival run
Created by Australian performer Tim Watts, The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik is a one-man show that combines puppetry, live and recorded music and animation to take the audience on a journey to one of that last great frontiers: the ocean.
The plot is that the world is on the brink and in need of some serious help — and Alvin Sputnik appears to be the man for the job.
While it was created by Watts, the play has been sent out into the world for others to enjoy and perform. Here in Vancouver, St John Cowcher takes on the strange story.
We caught up with Watts at home in Australia and asked him a few questions about his curious character.
Q: Who is Alvin Sputnik?
A: Alvin Sputnik is a deepsea explorer, an unwilling hero who dives the depths of the ocean looking for the soul of his wife, and a new place for humans to live.
Live action, projection and sound effects, what is the hardest part for the puppeteer to manage?
There is one point in the show, towards the end where the puppeteer is puppeteering Alvin with both hands, another puppet with his head, whilst operating the lights with his feet and the Wii mote (which cues the animation). This is also the most emotionally crucial scene, so you have to do all the things well for it to work. It’s a doozy of a moment.
Here in Vancouver, Alvin is being brought to life by St John Cowcher. Is there any trepidation in handing over Alvin to another puppeteer?
Not any more. In the beginning, when people suggested that I hand the show over, I had my doubts and concerns. But then I realized, ‘Hey, I’m not that special, other people could probably do this and maybe even better than me.’ And wouldn’t you know it, its true. St John does an incredible job and I completely trust him with the show. It was really weird at first (it is still weird for me to watch the show) because I have done it over 350 times, so I certainly feel attached to it. But now it’s so great to know that people all around the world are enjoying the show while I can focus on making new ones.
What are your main requirements of the other puppeteer?
Their ability to multitask, sensitivity, dexterity, precision, but above all, PLAYFULNESS! Alvin needs to have heart and the performer has to be filled with joy, and a cheeky edge.
But that has to be distilled down to precise and clear movements, or it becomes a blur.
What kind of advice do you offer that puppeteer?
Take your time. Be precise, and have lots of fun.