Yep it’s time for yet another Tanta-production! I’m AD on this one so you won’t see me on stage, but come on out and support the arts (and for that matter the artists). I really think it’s going to be a fun show to see– heck 12 foot tall puppets in a 11 foot tall space is reason enough to come see it.

Here’s the official press release:

02/11/06

– For Immediate Release –

The Tantalus Theatre Group Presents: The Serpent Woman

By combining elements of commedia, fairy tales, a classic love story, and giant puppets the Tantalus Theatre Group has created a new and exciting production of a classic Italian commedia script.

The original production of the Serpent Woman by Carlo Gozzi was popular in its time but the years, and subsequent translations, had not been kind to its audience appeal. Devin Brain (director and Tantalus Theatre Group company member) adapted the script to both simplify the overly complex plot lines, and to further explore the darker, more frightening side of the fairy tale archetypes.

The project really got off the ground when Brain teamed up with veteran puppet maker Marc Chevalier. Marc wasn’t daunted by Devin’s artistic concept; take a very small theatre (the Side Studio with a capacity of about thirty people) and place the largest, most technologically advanced puppets he could into it. Marc has created larger than life, fully articulated puppets of mythical creatures that take up to four actors to control.

The combat sequence between the main character Farruscad (played by Andy Kirtland) and the 12 foot tall skeletal giant posed a particular challenge to Lindsey Noel Whiting whose influence can also be seen in the hypnotic fire dance inspired by traditional Indian candle dancing.

Plot Abstract:

Farrascad is a mortal man trapped in a fairy kingdom who must overcome his own nightmares to be reunited with his true love, despite the efforts of the mischievous fairies Farzana and Zemina who long to keep her for themselves.

The show opens February 24 and runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm through April 1.

The Side Studio 1520 West Jarvis Street (map)
Tickets $10.00

Phone for reservations: 773-960-2066

P.S. I know I owe the world an U/RTA update but that post takes more time and energy than I have right now– Expect it once SW opens!