Saturday, November 2, 2024

Puppetry with purpose

  An ambitious production will conclude The University of Toledo’s theater and film department’s milestone season, celebrating 50 years of students on stage. Written, directed, and designed by visiting assistant professor Erica Frank, this production is unique and original— “The Immorals” is a large-scale puppetry performance. 

  The show uses mythology and fantasy as a way to bring light to the environmental issues our planet is currently facing. “The Immortals” is meant to start a conversation for people of all ages. 

  Megan Aherne, an actor in Frank’s production and also part of the Glacity Theater Collective, said “To quote a line in the play, ‘Each step is a choice.’ I hope the audience feels encouraged to evaluate their choices that impact not only the environment, but also their personal relationships.” 

A compelling story

  The story begins with Boreus, the North Wind God, who was forced out of the limits of his home. Destruction and violent storms occur in Hyperborea, the land ruled by the sun. The sun can’t break through the storm and gets sick. The magical land’s future is bleak and unknown until a young girl, accompanied by her rabbit and stuffed frog, travel through space to save the sun. 

  When asked about the title, Frank stated, “Immortality implies a never-ending existence regardless of whether or not the body dies. The idea that the earth will always be here as it is, is something we take for granted. The play is meant to shine a light on the very real concerns facing the planet today and threatening its very existence.”

  Along with directing and writing the production, Frank designed and constructed many of the handmade puppets. She explained that many various techniques and materials, such as wood and fiberglass, were used in their construction. “All construction of the puppets require consideration of movement when deciding what materials to use in making the joints and mechanisms. The weight of the materials is also a key factor,” she explained.

  Another facet of the production is the original music, composed by Scott Hunt, with video by Noah York. According to Aherne, it’s the music and video that fuel the story. “It’s simply beautiful. The music and video establish the characters’ environment and communicate the emotional undertones of the experience,” she explained. 

  From the beauty of the puppets to the music, this unique production is one that you will not want to miss. 

“The Immortals” will be presented at the UT Center for Performing Arts; April 10-12 and 17-19 Friday and Saturday’s shows 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday. 2pm, Sunday matinee. 

  An ambitious production will conclude The University of Toledo’s theater and film department’s milestone season, celebrating 50 years of students on stage. Written, directed, and designed by visiting assistant professor Erica Frank, this production is unique and original— “The Immorals” is a large-scale puppetry performance. 

  The show uses mythology and fantasy as a way to bring light to the environmental issues our planet is currently facing. “The Immortals” is meant to start a conversation for people of all ages. 

  Megan Aherne, an actor in Frank’s production and also part of the Glacity Theater Collective, said “To quote a line in the play, ‘Each step is a choice.’ I hope the audience feels encouraged to evaluate their choices that impact not only the environment, but also their personal relationships.” 

A compelling story

  The story begins with Boreus, the North Wind God, who was forced out of the limits of his home. Destruction and violent storms occur in Hyperborea, the land ruled by the sun. The sun can’t break through the storm and gets sick. The magical land’s future is bleak and unknown until a young girl, accompanied by her rabbit and stuffed frog, travel through space to save the sun. 

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  When asked about the title, Frank stated, “Immortality implies a never-ending existence regardless of whether or not the body dies. The idea that the earth will always be here as it is, is something we take for granted. The play is meant to shine a light on the very real concerns facing the planet today and threatening its very existence.”

  Along with directing and writing the production, Frank designed and constructed many of the handmade puppets. She explained that many various techniques and materials, such as wood and fiberglass, were used in their construction. “All construction of the puppets require consideration of movement when deciding what materials to use in making the joints and mechanisms. The weight of the materials is also a key factor,” she explained.

  Another facet of the production is the original music, composed by Scott Hunt, with video by Noah York. According to Aherne, it’s the music and video that fuel the story. “It’s simply beautiful. The music and video establish the characters’ environment and communicate the emotional undertones of the experience,” she explained. 

  From the beauty of the puppets to the music, this unique production is one that you will not want to miss. 

“The Immortals” will be presented at the UT Center for Performing Arts; April 10-12 and 17-19 Friday and Saturday’s shows 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday. 2pm, Sunday matinee. 

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