Photos - Jeff BusbyLaMama is presenting the return season of a Lemony S production, Apples and Ladders.
Performed and created by Sarah Kriegler and Jacob Williams, this production is supported by an ‘images of aging grant’ and it is easy to see why. This is a creative, sensitive and empathetic portrayal of aging, set in the suburbs. It is about the importance of maintaining community and individual connections throughout the many stages of life.
Apples and Ladders is theatre achieved using Bunraku and Shadow puppets. Using this style, Sarah Kriegler and Jacob Williams realize an achingly moving story, which details a journey through love, tragedy and redemption. Kriegler and Williams’ puppets are finely detailed and effective, and include a representation of death (Knave of Hearts) as a horrid, lanky white skeleton with bloody bits attached, seemingly quite eager to ruin lives. Creepy. Clearly the two are experienced puppeteers, who also neatly maintain the effect of their presence impacting on the stage and their presence verging on invisible.
Music by The Tiger Lilies is well incorporated in to Apples and Ladders and, at times, gives this production the feel of a musical. It is evocative and for the most part compliments the production. The lighting appears to need a little adjusting, as it seems to me it does not always reveal, and disclose, the action clearly enough. The set is effective and manages the potentially tricky sightlines well.
Apples and Ladders is a briefly opened window in to the lives of people, albeit puppets, who could easily live next door. It represents life as an alternately glorious and inglorious struggle for happiness and belonging.
Apples and Ladders
A Lemony S Production
Created by Sarah Kriegler & Jacob Williams
Venue: La Mama at The Carlton Court House | 349 Drummond Street, Carlton
Dates: December 5 – 22
Times: Wed @ 6.30pm; Thur & Fri @ 8pm; Sat @ 5pm & 8pm; Sun @ 6.30pm
Tickets: $10 / $20
Bookings: 9347 6142
