Young at Art commissions the Children's Express Belfast bureau to report on its festival programme every year. Young people, particularly from disadvantaged areas, do not often get the chance to attend such events. These articles are published on the Young at Art website and used in their newsletter to attract more young people to the arts.
| In no time at all he had the crowd quacking, singing nursery rhymes and shouting out advice. |
Hansel and Gretel
Produced by Theatre Gruppe 38
Reviewed by Orlaith Graham Wood and Amy Magowan Greene (12)
We couldn't wait to go and see this Danish production of Hansel and Gretel, although we are a little worried that it could be a bit boring because it is a one-person show.
The director of this play, Hans Ronne told us he had transformed a boring old classic fairytale into a humorous and lovely performance.
This unique performance of Hansel and Gretel brought a dark and well-known, fairy tale to life.
Using superb lighting and special effects, this tale was narrated by actress Bodil Ailing, who wore a long flowing white dress. Her attention to expression, movement and vocal tone brought each character fully to life.
| | Before we saw it | | Orlaith: “Hansel and Gretel is a quite depressing tale. This one-person version could be entertaining, but if I had a choice I think I would go for the more traditional approach.” | | Amy: “It may deal with modern family issues, which young people often face today, but I still think that the story is sappy.” | |
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She invited the audience to look right into the story of Hansel and Gretel by holding out a layer of her dress, which acted as a screen upon which images of the two abandoned, children were projected.
One of the most impressive scenes occurred when a flock of hungry birds appeared like shadows on the white dress; they swooped and dived for crumbs of bread left by Hansel on the forest floor. It was eerie and incredibly effective.
The music and lights worked well together to create an atmosphere that kept the audience's attention stoked to the end.
It was a fabulously magical and gripping performance, which would enthral the entire family.
A Recipe for Disaster
Will Chamberlain
Reviewed by Amy Magowan Greene, 12 and Daniel McCrisken, 11
This was a great performance with tons of audience participation.
As soon as the performance began an immediate bond was struck between Rough, the circus dogsbody and the audience. He told them all the intimate details of his life - even about his breakfast of jam sandwiches and weekly secret bottle of beer.
In no time at all he had the crowd quacking, singing nursery rhymes and shouting out advice. He liked the audience so much that he introduced his dog Snorbitz, who is was his biggest secret and closest companion.
Inspired by the audience Rough, who usually remained behind the scenes, decided to show his new-found friends his hidden talents and abilities and for once took the spotlight.
"The most impressive stunt for me was when Rough was shuffling about on a plank of wood, which was balanced by a cylinder on top of a table, the circus worker juggled clubs with a stuffed dog on his shoulder and talked to the audience," said Daniel.
"I loved it when he imitated the strong man; he stuffed balloons into his sleeves and under his shirt and pretended to flex his muscles. Then he lay down on a bed of nails and one by one the biceps and triceps popped leaving only his six pack in tact - which of course eventually popped," said Amy.
The 45 minute long performance could have been cut 10 minutes short because some of the younger members of the audience did get a little fidgety towards the end.
The Old Museum Arts Centre is an easily located venue and although the stage is small, the space was used really well.
Although advertised for five to eight year olds, older children and adults would have enjoyed the show because the humour used worked on different levels.
Moby Dick
Theatre Triebwerk
Review by Orlaith Graham Wood, 12 Lucas Dillon, 10 and Benen Dillon, 10
The epic tale of Moby Dick performed by the German Theatre Triebwerk unfolded slowly before the audience at the Old Museum Arts Centre.
| | Before we saw it | | Conor: “I don't really think I'll like it because the story was written a long time ago and might be a bit old fashioned for my taste.” | | Lucas: “For me the play needs to be fast moving and exciting. The language must be modern and clear for me to understand and keep up with the story.” | | Benen: “I think Moby Dick will be interesting, but I am worried it might be a bit long to hold the attention of young people.” | |
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"The beginning of the play was very slow moving but as it progressed it became more interesting and easier to understand because the story line became more obvious," Orlaith said.
The three Hamburg players gave an energetic performance, changing from character to character with ease. They also played their own music, which also influenced the mood of the play - it was brilliant.
"The acting was good, I enjoyed it but the show was too long and hard to understand because the actors spoke English with a heavy German accent very fast," said Lucas.
Benen said, "we would recommend this performance to an older audience, ten might be a little too young because the language was hard to understand."
About the team
These reviews were produced by members of the Children's Express Belfast bureau. They were published in Young At Art.
