Edinburgh Fringe 2021
Madame Modjeska’s Fairytale – Titi, Nunu, Klembolo or the adventures of two lilac boys and a six legged dog
CounterBalance Theater
Genre: Dance and Movement Theatre, Film, Fringe Film
Venue: Online@the SpaceUK
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
This is a very short film – about 15 minutes – with a mixture of Victorian and modern photography inspired illustration which show a house and garden forming the background to a quest where the two lilac boys let the sleeping six-legged dog lie and go off on an adventure until it is time for bed. Performed by two dancers, this is an exquisite interlude for your day which just delights in being artistic.
Review
Brought to the scenery of the illustrations which appear Victorian but also like the originals from Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska’s book, this draws you into a tale which does not shy from suggesting their adventures could lead to an early death! It is very seductive in its approach as you are introduced to Klembolo, the six legged dog who stays in slumber and our two dancers appear to start their travels.
Artistically their input comes in the form of modern dance which is stylized and tells a story involving a birthday enhanced by the use of a kaleidoscope (I used to get one of these as a child for my birthdays) which brings me back vision of my childhood. By the end they are back home in time for tea and bed. Job done.
This is fantastic and has at its heart a simple story well told. The visuals enhance, the music is wonderful, the highlights include our two performers on a journey but doing so in several different ways and ending with the scene of them flying with the balloons. It is an engaging 15 minutes and if like me you are finding time in a busy day, it leaves you with a big smile at the end of it all. Indeed. Job done.
