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Described as "infectious, captivating, and full of wonder", this major work of physical and visual theatre is adapted from the award-winning graphic novel by Australian artist and author Shaun Tan. The story of an immigrant who flees his homeland in search of a better future, The Arrival is an emotive and inspiring account of one man's quest to belong.
On his travels, The Arrival's central character must navigate strange customs, curious creatures, and indecipherable languages to find the security he needs to reunite his family. Designed to enchant even the most stoic of hearts, The Arrival combines music, movement, comedy, expert puppetry, and shadow-play to perfectly capture the essence of Shaun Tan's unique artistry.
Author of popular illustrated books The Rabbits, The Red Tree, and The Lost Thing, Shaun Tan is well known for the surreal, dream-like imagery he uses to illustrate universal themes of displacement. Magical and beautiful, Red Leap Theatre's nearwordless production is an enthralling story of humanity, hope and overcoming hardship. Step into a land of flying ships and travelling balloons for this heart-warming tribute to migrants and refugees throughout the world.
Recommended for children aged 6 and up.
Creator and director: Julie Nolan
Creator, imagery, and cast: Kate Parker
Lighting designer: Jeremy Fern
Set: John Verryt
Props: Simon Coleman
Music: Andrew McMillan
Costume: Elizabeth Whiting
Original production developed through the Auckland Festival's Watch this Space initiative.
Image: Andrew Malmo
More Info
- Article: Review: The Arrival
- Article: Review: The Arrival
- Article: Review: The Arrival
- Article: Review: The Arrival
- Article: Children's books 2009: It's all good! says Jon Scieszka
- Article: Beyond the limits of language
- Article: Review: The Arrival
- Article: Shaun Tan’s Book Arrives On Stage
Review
The Dominion Post Mar 12, 2010
Every immigrant's nightmare: arriving in a new country faced with a strange new language, people and customs and the highs and lows of dealing with all this strangeness.
Arts Hub Jan 13, 2010
Fleeing an oppressive governmental force, and leaving behind his beloved wife and daughter, a man travels vast oceans in search of a better life in a new land.
Australian Stage Jan 12, 2010
Every once in a while you see a show that is such a breath of fresh air that you feel aglow when you walk out of the theatre: The Arrival is that kind of show.
Sydney Morning Herald Jan 6, 2010
Magical paper birds, boats made of old suitcases and giants squashing terrified citizens - these are just three of many strange and wonderful images in Red Leap Theatre's production of The Arrival, which opens as part of the Sydney Festival next week.
New Zealand Herald Mar 13, 2009
The Arrival at the Civic Theatre
