Dallas Children’s Theater presents BOATS

By Finegan Kruckemeyer
Directed by Frank Newman

Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) presents classic storytelling up close and personal with Australia’s Terrapin Puppet Theatre! A unique and highly inventive use of space, objects, sounds and puppetry create the most ingeniously told seafaring adventure ever in BOATS at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts, April 19 – 21, 2013.

Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s BOATS, written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and directed by Frank Newman, is a show about the power of stories, and DCT’s very first international presentation. Executive Artistic Director, Robyn Flatt, saw the production at One Theatre World in Seattle, Washington and couldn’t resist bringing it to DCT. “I can’t stop raving about this show because it is totally unique and special. I’ve never seen anything like it in Dallas before. You just have to see it to believe it. It’s award-winning theater that speaks in a world beyond words,” she says. BOATS won the 2012 Helpmann Award for the Best Presentation for Children “ the highest honor that a theater for young people can gain in Australia.

Terrapin Puppet Theatre is the Australian innovator of puppetry-based visual theater embracing new technologies, creating contemporary storytelling, and touring and collaborating nationally and internationally. The company injects skills and programs into the Tasmanian community, entertaining family audiences and supporting developing artists. Whilst Terrapin reaches to the future in its exploration of form and storytelling styles, it does so with its feet firmly grounded in the age-old craft of puppetry and theater’s rich traditions. Terrapin’s productions engage all age groups and are designed to tour.

BOATS is a play about the life of a sailor called Jof Argos. Jof’s story is told to us by his friend, and fellow seaman, Nic. Together they recount Jof’s life from birth up until his final moments. We learn how the friends met as they were each running away from something and then found that the sea answered their calls. BOATS is full of clever storytelling techniques that span from the traditional to the highly inventive; puppets are tied from ropes, a boat is made from a table and many of the sound effects are made live. This follows a very Australian tradition of telling tall tales with found objects, and embellishing them for the sake of the story. While the play is a wild ride following the ups and downs of two great characters, it is what Nic and Jof learn from each other, the sea and the retelling of these stories that leaves a lasting impression.

“When a children’s show like this comes along you have to grab it with both hands.” The Sun-Herald, Sydney

Don’t miss BOATS, the international sensation direct from Australia! Enjoyed by all ages.

Attend the show on Friday, April 19 for extra fun one hour prior to the show. Experience the power of stories and make a BOATS – inspired origami craft with instructors from Bishop Arts’ Oil and Cotton! Enjoy coloring, face painting and more. Giveaways and one free show poster per family.

DCT’s 2013 Baker Idea Institute, STORY POWER! VOYAGE TO CREATIVITY, takes place on Saturday, April 20 from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. See an exclusive 10 am performance of BOATS followed by a workshop with the play’s two presenting artists, Quinn Griggs and Jeff Michel. Afternoon activities begin with the performance “When Fire Meets Glacier”, by Will Richey and Alejandro Perez, Jr., celebrating the dynamic diversity of movement, language, slam poetry and song. Following their performance they will lead an interactive session exploring the Art of Spoken Word. International energizer and BII favorite, Sherry Kafka Wagner, will challenge our thinking about education, the arts and how we plan our cities. Lifelong musician and teaching artist, Althea Jerome, will help participants discover the story within and bring it to life with your own musical soundtrack.

This full day seminar will appeal to educators, students, parents, theater professionals and all those who seek greater skills of communication while expanding creativity and the sharing of ideas. Join us as we illuminate new ways to teach and to learn! Tickets are $60.00 for adults, and $30.00 for students (includes lunch). Scholarships available. For more information on the Baker Idea Institute visit www.bakeridea.org or email coy.covington@dct.org.

Boats Artistic Team

• Director – Frank Newman
• Writer – Finegan Kruckemeyer
• Composer – Matthew Fargher
• Set and Puppet Design – Greg Methé
• Costume Design – Roz Wren
• Performed by – Quinn Griggs and Jeff Michel
• Production Manager – Andrew MacDonald

Dallas Children’s Theater
Rosewood Center for Family Arts
5938 Skillman Street
Dallas, Texas 75231

Performance dates and times:

• Friday – April 19 – 7:30 pm
• Saturday – April 20 – 1:30 pm
• Sunday – April 21 – 1:30 pm

Performance Dates and Times: Friday, April 19 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, April 20 at 1:30 pm; Sunday, April 21 at 1:30 pm

Ticket Prices: $20 – $40
Reserve early for best pricing!

DCT Box Office: 214-740-0051
Tickets also available on-line! www.dct.org

Dallas Children’s Theater’s 2012-2013 Season is sponsored by Michaels; Texas Instruments Foundation; TACA; and Target. General sponsors include The Rosewood Foundation; Texas Instruments, Inc.; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; NGP Energy Capital Management; and Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation. The following families are part of DCT’s Medici Circle and provide financial support designed to sustain DCT’s commitment to high production values: The Harold Simmons Foundation and The Hersh Foundation. Additional funding and support is provided by Texas Commission on the Arts and Green Mountain Energy (DCT’s official renewable energy partner).