Sky Dancer is a beautiful collaboration between Capital E National Theatre for Children and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, this performance has been especially created for young people. The production transforms the powerful, symbolic story loosely based on the novel of the same name by author Witi Ihimaera, whilst also introducing young audiences to orchestral music. The performance is the story of a young girl named Skylark who becomes involved in a prophecy which sees her embark on an extraordinary journey into the past to save our future.
I’m liking
The recommended age range is 7+ and whilst the story is at times quite complicated, the show is only 1 hour long and there is plenty to hold the child’s attention. Visually, puppets, projections (a book on the lectern seems to turn its pages by itself), paper fantails are projected onto images on a back screen and puppet fantails take flight all whilst the orchestral sounds add to the intensity of the storyline. Even the musicians participate at times waving pages of music in the air.
Things that made me go hmmmm
I do feel that the production it is quite advanced for a 7 year old – the young audience beside me looked a little lost at times but at other times totally absorbed. I didn’t know the story prior to going to see Sky Dancer and at times I must admit, struggled to make sense of what was happening, it would be beneficial to at least have a brief understanding of the storyline prior to seeing the production.
The conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful production of music, myth and mystery and it certainly allows the child (and adult) to use their imagination as you endeavour to understand the story. This is a wonderful way for children to experience the NZ Symphony Orchestra.
The tour schedule is on the Capital E! website.
