Review | Laura Money
Barking Gecko Theatre are on the top of their game with this beautiful adaptation of Shaun Tan’s book Cicada. The intimate interpretation sees the little Cicada puppet manipulated by Tim Watts with additional puppetry provided by Arielle Gray as he navigates his tiny world. Cicada takes to his miniature stage and learns to outgrow the confines of his little existence.
Watts and Gray have fantastic chemistry – their playful banter in the beginning and in hilarious mini interludes, interacting with the audience. Chloe Ogilvie brings Cicada’s world intimate with innovative lighting design that cleverly creates the slightly oppressive shadows from office blinds and windows to a gentle glow from a monotonous television. Combined with a magical sounding composition by Jonathon Jie Hong Yang the charming Cicada’s world appears to close in on him.
Cicada is a charming little tale of change and renewal. The hilarious extra commentary added into the script a blistering indictment on greed, and an important lesson in living in the moment. Gray and Watts imbue a humble humanity to the endearing little fellow and his ultimate transcendence is beautifully done. It’s an absolute gem of a show that will linger every time you hear insects sing.
Cicada is on at the State Theatre WA until Saturday 6th August 2022. TICKETS
Regional Tour 2022:
Koorliny Arts Centre (Kwinana) 16 – 19 August
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre 23 – 24 August
Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre 26 – 27 August
Queens Park Theatre (Geraldton) 31 Aug – 1 September
Broome Civic Centre 8-9 September
The Fourth Wall acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land we engage in storytelling on – the Wadjhuk people of the Noongar nation. We pay respects to their elders past, present, and emerging.
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