Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Breathe
Half a String
Genre: Live Music, Puppetry, Theatre
Venue: Pleasance Dome
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
A seedling is born and begins a gentle introduction to life – such as the lovely mossy banks of the environment and also a large bird who has sights on food! Lighting and additional sound effects take us through the seasons and lifecycle of plants and trees very effectively. The three performers create a visually detailed land of imagination skillfully with dynamic enthusiasm and panache.
Review
Imagine the leafy forest floor and what may be hiding under the leaves of a forest of trees. Take a deep breath in and exhale the wholesome earthy smells of the countryside. This is the view and atmosphere projected onto a large screen above the stage by three performers from Half a String. The Half a String company create shows based on puppetry, original music and imaginative design to create human stories for all ages.
The design of everything in view is immediately eye catching from the objects to the small sets. When sitting in the front rows with full view of the performers and stage area we can appreciate their dexterity and perfect timing moving sets and transforming what looks like a box on wheels until they open it to unfold a whole new world of wonderment. One performer slickly slides a camera on a tripod around the stage while another is manipulating object puppets and the third may be playing music and singing live!
The image of the set is projected on the screen as if a live film is being made. It shows the trees and forest floor close up and is a magical vision of colorful design and intricate puppetry skills. After a while we see a tiny acorn and it is this acorn who becomes the protagonist of the charming story which is told through narration, several melodic story songs and through beautiful visual storytelling.
A seedling is born and begins a gentle introduction to life – such as the lovely mossy banks of the environment and also a large bird who has sights on food! Lighting and additional sound effects take us through the seasons and lifecycle of plants and trees very effectively. These three performers create a visually detailed land of imagination skillfully with dynamic enthusiasm and panache.
The main character we follow (from several characters brought to life) is the seedling, with very finely crafted facial features and a limbs that can do almost anything. While the detail of the seedling is beautifully crafted the facial expression is unable to vary, which may not sustain interest for the entire one hour of the show for some audience members.
The large bird rod puppet is so effective flying and perching around the space as is an inventive multi scaled insect that moves around the forest floor. A scene with mushrooms is funny and sweet as they move to vibrant jazzy music! There is a quality of storytelling with ecology and gentle learning in this show which is admirable and enjoyable. Breathe is a beautifully designed and performed story that is not only delightful but also meaningful and entertaining.
