THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Based on the Children’s Book by: Margery Williams.
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The Fine Arts Discovery Series* presented The Enchantment Theatre Company production of Margery Williams’ “The Velveteen Rabbit” as it was performed at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday November 4th. The production utilized nearly every tool available in the vast theatrical arsenal to enhance the art of story telling. These tools included Mime, Puppetry, Music, and Dance to which The Enchantment Theatre Company employed with great effect.
The book is about a stuffed rabbit who believes in the promise that love can make him real. He and a boy embarks on numerous adventures as the affection for one another increases with every life affirming moment. However, when the boy is stricken with Scarlet fever, all material with the possibility of containing remnants of the disease must be destroyed. This includes the favored stuffed animal he slept with through his illness. It is while awaiting his destruction the rabbit encounters a fairy and becomes a real rabbit.
Most well written children stories holds something for the adults who reads them to their children. We’re reminded of what we’ve learned as children and tend to put aside as we become more a part of an adult world. We become attached to our daily routines and depend on a reality filled with responsibilities and how well we can defend ourselves from the emotions that keep us from being taken seriously. “The Velveteen Rabbit” reminds us it is not our responsibilities or our ability to keep our emotions in check that make us real. It is love. Without it, all we have or do is meaningless.
The Enchantment Theatre Company kept faith with “The Velveteen Rabbit’s” lesson while enhancing the telling of it through the techniques I mentioned earlier. The production touched the children in ways they may not yet be able to understand along with the parents who were visibly reflective of what they’ve experienced. The simplicity of the production enhanced the subtlety embodied in the original tale. This is children’s theatre at its best.
The Enchantment Theatre Company production of Margery Williams’ “The Velveteen Rabbit” was presented one day only at The Sherman Theatre*. As a custom with The Fine Arts Discovery Series*, there was a workshop for children prior to the performance. This consisted of a reading of the original book featuring the storytelling skills of Anita Bondi* and an opportunity for the children to create a book of their own. Their next presentation will be an African Dance Ensemble called, “Kulu Mele” on February 10th at The Sherman Theatre*. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-420-2808.
You’ll be able to find pictures from the production in The Forwardian Arts Society Velveteen Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment