By Katie Jarvis
The Secret Life of Suitcases is a production brought from Scotland as part of the BYU Off the Map International Theatre Festival, and is performing at BYU Provo for the weekend of Jan 25-27, 2018 only. It is an award winning, devised theater piece featuring unique handcrafted puppets and the beautiful use of found objects. The puppeteer and creator, Ailie Cohen, works with only one other performer, Samuel Jameson, to bring the heartwarming story to life in a way that is truly magical. Even sitting in the theater before the show is enchanting, the aesthetic is handcrafted, simple, and effective.
The story begins with Larry, voiced by Cohen, who works a monotonous job in an office but is consumed with being “very, very busy.” Unexpectedly, he encounters a magical suitcase that flies around his office, spews leaves, and seems to have a mind of its own. The suitcase breaks his routine, captures his attention, and takes him on an extraordinary adventure. Larry discovers new places, including outer space, and learns the about the magical suitcases that are sent out into the universe. The entire story is set to emotionally evocative musical tracks, created specifically for the show by composer Niroshini Thambar through the collaborative, creation process.
Cohen created the puppets, voices three characters and executes lighting, set, and costume changes. Jameson also voices three characters and manages to also function as lighting, set, prop, and costume crew. Both Cohen and Jameson work together flawlessly to create a cohesive, entertaining, and endearing piece of theater. One of the most impressive feats is how they manage to juggle so many elements, including changing the music with several pedals around the stage as the scenes change. The show has been on tour for four years and the unity is palpable, but without losing the freshness and enchantment.
The Nelke Theater is a big space for such an intimate show, the closer to the front the better, seats further back in the theater lose some of the artistic detail of the puppets, and nuances of their movements. There are question and answer sessions held after the shows, and it is wonderful opportunity for all audience members to have a dialogue with the actors, and the Artistic Director Lewis Hetherington who travels with the show. The evening show starts at 6:30 PM and is only 50 minutes; I found myself wishing it wasn’t ending so soon.
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It is charming without being cheesy, and is completely appropriate for children of all ages. This is a wonderful play to attend as a family. It is fun, while containing a lot of heart and meaning, and it doesn’t go too late into the evening.
BYU BRAVO! OFF THE MAP series presents: The Secret Life of Suitcases by Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker Productions
The Nelke Theater, Harris Fine Arts Center, Brigham Young University Campus, Provo
January 26, 6:30 PM, January 27, 1:00 PM, 6:30 PM
Tickets: $15
Secret Life of Suitcases Production Facebook Page
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