Paradise Lost by Paul Van Dyck at this year’s Fringe Festival, features Canadian stage up-in-comer Paul Van Dyck bravely taking on John Milton’s 17th century epic poem of human’s fall from grace, Paradise Lost.
Van Dyck along with his collaborators Jeremy Eliosoff (Visual Effects), Jody Burkholder (Lighting/Technical Direction) and Lyne Paquette (Puppet Design) are certainly very knowledgeable having graduated from some of Canada’s finest institutions.
But it is the wisdom used in harnessing this knowledge that has resulted in a bold and surprisingly faithful interpretation that integrates computer animation with low technology puppets resulting in a blissful theatre going experience.
An example of how cleverly conceived and executed this play is are the three simple white pieces of fabric that are ingeniously used as set piece surfaces to reflect the animations, as costuming, and as characters.
With the Rolling Stone’s blaring, Van Dyck begins bare chested Jagger-isk symbolic of youthful conceit and bravado, foreshadowing Eve and Adam’s pride before their fall.
Van Duck’s extensive acting skills are evident when using the fixed expression Eva and Adam puppets requiring his voice and gestures to convey emotion. For those of you who enjoy Shakespeare and more traditional dramatic fare, this play will not disappoint.
Venue #10 – School of Contemporary Dancers – 211 Bannatyne – enter from parking lot on Main St.
Showtimes:
Mon. July 18 – 5 p.m.
Tue. July 19 – 10:30 p.m.
Thu. July 21 – 3:15 p.m.
Fri. July 22 – 8:45 pm.
Sun. July 24 – 1:45 pm
