Children's Express journalists review what's on offer at the 2001 Belfast Festival at Queens.
| I didn’t mind not knowing what it was about – it was brilliant anyway. |
Shooting Stars (November 8 2001) by Japanese theatre company Ishin-Ha put on a massive scale, futuristic theatre production in the Paint Hall at Harland and Wolff. The massive set was made up of cubes, platforms, screens and steps. There were even two taps on the stage that actually worked.
The audience, who were wrapped up in blankets, hats and gloves watched the cast's performance avidly, although many found it difficult to pin-down the story-line.
Amanda McAteer, 14 said "I did not really understand what it was about. My taxi driver told me it was about a deprived man. I didn't mind not knowing because it was brilliant anyway."
Orlaith Graham Wood, 13 was certain: "it was definitely set in the future because of the aliens. It was about insanity, mania, young people and franticness."
Her friend Amy Magowan Greene, 13 was not convinced: "No, it was about a convict and mentally ill people in a hospital, who may have possibly been slaves."
But all agree while it was difficult to state precisely what the performance was about the production was outstanding.
For Amy, the dancers' precision in movement was remarkable.
"It must have taken ages to get those routines together; my hat goes off to the choreographer," she said.
"I thought the show was very good. The young dancers performed in perfect synchronicity," Amanda added.
For Orlaith the singing was incredible, "it was both haunting, melodic and eerie."
"The costumes, scenery and effects were brilliant, they all meshed so well together. This performance was simply big everything: large scale, huge cast, roomy venue - and it all had a big impact," she added.
The reviewers loved the performance but had some complaints - it was too cold, the industrial noises were at times almost deafening and it was just a tad too long.
About the team
This article was produced by Amanda McAteer, 14, Amy Magowan Greene, 13 and Orlaith Graham Wood, 13. It was published on the Belfast Festival website.
