Pandemonium Theatre has assembled an accomplished design team and a talented group of 12 young women for an intensely physical presentation of the world of 19th-century female adventurers.
The physical theatre approach gives a mythical quality to the main storyline as an ethereal colony of butterflies becomes thecatalyst for a quest to capture a rare and elusive treasure.
The perilous journey into the unknown is brought to life with a driving musical score and some wonderfully inventive body sculpture.
The highly energised ensemble throw themselves into configurations that evoke everything from mountain ranges and rainforests to wildlife and exotic villages.
The narrative is made clear with barely a word spoken. Kate Parker's delicately constructed puppets combine with Vera Thomas's luscious lighting effects and Elizabeth Whiting's striking costumes to produce some impressive visual effects.
A balloon journey over a sleeping township and the nocturnal pursuit of the elusive prize butterfly were particularly memorable images.
In the role of the butterfly hunter, Ella Becroft establishes a compelling stage presence, effectively using gesture, body language and the occasional vocalisation to project a steely determination in the pursuit of her goal.
A parallel story about the aristocratic adventurer Lady Cordelia Sutherland also produced some wild physical comedy with an exuberant parody on Victorian manners.
The spark of youth theatre glows brightest when the performers engage with material that matters to them and I would have loved to see this talented cast take on a more contemporary story.
The themes of exploration and pursuing one's dream were so well handled they could easily have translated into any number of scenarios about teenagers texting their way through the perils of their own world.
What: Beyond The Blue.
Where: Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall.
Reviewer: Paul Simei-Barton.
