Edinburgh Children’s Festival Review: Theatre Highlights
Dive into the heart of the Edinburgh Children’s Festival with our review of the most imaginative theater highlights! Discover how shadow play by Tangram Kollektiv flips the script in “Shades of Shadows,” turning the ordinary into the unusual. Witness the backstage chaos and comedic brilliance of compagnie Barbarie’s “Grown ups,” where everyday surrealism meets playful theater.Explore Greg Sinclair’s “Tongue Twister,” a sensory voyage through language, music, and design, using colorful props too bring phrases to life. News Directory 3 provides insights into these unique productions, promising a rich experience for younger viewers. Eager for more? Discover what’s next in the world of children’s theatre at the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival!
Edinburgh Festival Showcases surreal Theatre for Young Audiences
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is featuring innovative performances, including shadow play and
surreal theatre, designed to captivate young audiences.Among the highlights are Tangram Kollektiv’s “Shades of
Shadows” and compagnie Barbarie’s “Grown Ups,” both offering unique theatrical experiences.
In “Shades of Shadows,” the German-French company Tangram Kollektiv, featuring performers Sarah Chaudon and Clara
Palau y Herrero, presents a world where shadows defy expectations. The performance begins with a shadow puppet
show reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, but quickly evolves into a surreal exploration of light and movement.
The performers mimic a scene of a couple drinking, but soon the shadows take on a life of their own. A puppet
emerges from a lightbulb, objects float, and light transforms in unexpected ways. Chaudon multiplies herself,
giving each shadow distinct gestures in a display of inventive choreography.
Another highlight is Compagnie Barbarie’s “Grown Ups,” a production from Brussels’ Bronks theatre. The play
starts with random objects crossing an empty stage, accompanied by tuneless whistling. Performers Sarah Vangeel,
Liesje De Backer, Amber Goethals, and Lotte Vaes appear absorbed in mysterious tasks, creating a sense of
everyday surrealism.
The performers engage in reckless activities, wielding electric blades and immersing live wires in water.
However, the production takes a turn when the crew notices the audience and attempts to perform theatre, leading
to comedic and thought-provoking moments.
Greg Sinclair’s ”Tongue Twister” at North Edinburgh Arts Centre adds to the festival’s surreal offerings.Sinclair tackles tricky phrases from various languages, emphasizing the sensory aspects of music, movement, and
design. Costume designer Alison Brown brings these phrases to life through imaginative props and visuals.
The stage becomes filled with colorful props, enhancing the playful possibilities of the spoken word. The
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival continues to showcase quality theatre for young audiences through
these inventive and engaging performances.
What’s next
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival continues at various venues through June 1, promising more
innovative and engaging performances for young audiences.