‘The Grimstones’ is coming to Melbourne!
27 September 2010
Image from 'The Grimstones'
Developed by Deaf circus performer turned puppeteer Asphyxia, The Grimstones is a gothic fairytale featuring intricate old-world marionettes, giant books and sign language. The show is set to tour Sydney, Melbourne and the UK’s DadaFest, Europe’s largest Deaf and Disability Arts Festival of its kind.
The Grimstones is about a about a girl who reads dreams, a baby boy with three legs, a mother who sews garments lined with warmth and joy, and a grandfather who heals people with his magical concoctions.
The show has been designed and created by Asphyxia, a Deaf circus performer turned puppeteer, who has toured nationally and internationally over the past decade. Asphyxia has a background in ballet, and has trained with Circus Oz and the National Institute of Circus Art, specialising in trapeze, adagio (double balance) and hula hoops. “Nothing in the world gives me greater pleasure than creating things, whether by stitching, performing, drawing, sculpting, writing or building.”, says Asphyxia
A chance meeting with a master puppeteer in Guatemala a few years ago introduced her to the enchanting world of marionette puppeteering. She has since created theatre shows, includingBlood Makes Noise, which performed sell out seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and the USA.
Despite the growing popularity of puppetry in Australia, marionettes are rarely used here. Asphyxia is passionately committed to introducing Australian audiences to the world of marionettes, and creating groundbreaking new concepts with this traditional form of theatre.
Velvetta smells flowers
The Grimstones is the second puppet show Asphyxia has designed and built, handcrafting each of the marionettes and the exquisite sets. Three giant books open to reveal The Grimstones intricate world. The warmth of Velvetta’s sewing studio contrasts with Mortimer’s cold tomb and Elcho’s timeless apothecary. “There are always people lingering after the show wanting to take a piece of The Grimstone world home with them,” says Asphyxia, “so I have created an Artists Journal which follows my journey from the initial inspiration right through to opening night”. The Grimstones celebrates the wonder of books, acceptance of difference, family love and the simple pleasures of life.
Click here to find out more about The Grimstones
TOURING SCHEDULE 2010/11
Maribyrnong Phoenix Youth Centre, Melbourne
30 October 2010 @ 2pm
72 Buckley St, Footscray, Victoria
DaDaFest England, Liverpool
18-24 November 2010
DaDaFest is Europe’s largest Deaf and Disability Arts Festival of its kind and has a burgeoning worldwide reputation in promoting array of UK and International talent.
The Arts Centre, Melbourne
24-27 March 2011
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