I just came across TED Talk below featuring Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones of the Handspring Puppet Company. In it they explain the evolution of their puppetry and how they grew from hyenas to full scale, ridable horses for the National Theatre’s (and now Lincoln Center’s) production of War Horse.
I had the privilege of seeing this epic and fantastical production last week and have not stopped talking about it. To see this mechanical mass of cane and aluminum spring to life is absolutely magical. Initially you are wowed by the masterful craftsmanship and the artistry of the puppeteers/actors who, literally, breathe life into this creation and its fellow puppet creations (including a scene stealing goose who provides ample comic relief during the war-torn drama). But after that initial moment of losing your breath to this unbelievable machine you find your breath is stolen again when you forget that this mass is wood and metal and believe that you’re watching a living, emotional and believable horse trot, gallop and leap across stage.
War Horse is a must see. I have always been partial to musicals and if you were to ask me on any day “I’ll be in NYC for one weekend and have time to catch just one show. What should I see?” I might normally say “Oh, you have to see Such and Such: The Musical. It is fantastic!” But in this case I’d have to put my love of showtunes on hold and ask you not to miss LCT’s spellbinding and miraculous drama.
Until you have that chance check out the TED Talk below for a preview of this wonder of gears and ribbing. Adrian Kohler says something really striking here, “An actor struggles to die on stage, but a puppet struggles to live.” But I disagree… there’s no struggle here.
Tommy Karr 