A tale of magic and friendship found in the most unlikely of places, Black Swan presents the world premiere of Hilary Bell’s stage adaptation of The Red Balloon at Studio Underground this October.
Based on Albert Lamorisse’s Academy Award-winning short film of the same name, The Red Balloon is a first in family programming for Black Swan, aimed at children between 6 and 12 years of age, families and the young at heart.
Pascal is an ordinary six year old boy, living in Paris with his grandmother, and every day is just the same as the next. But one day he encounters the most extraordinary bit of magic and begins a very special friendship. On his way to school one morning, Pascal discovers a red balloon tangled around a lamp post. When he frees the balloon, he discovers it has a mind of its own!
With the balloon in hand, everything becomes an adventure. Together Pascal and the balloon encounter a rather talkative cat, a pigeon and a rat. At school, the headmaster disapproves of Pascal’s new friend and makes him leave his red balloon outside. Pascal’s sadness turns to delight when he finds his newfound friend waiting for him after school.
Strolling home, Pascal and the red balloon are enchanted by an interesting girl playing the cello, snapping on blue bubblegum. But what happens when Pascal is confronted by a gang of bullies, who are jealous of his balloon friend? Taking the balloon with him through Paris, Pascal finds that even the simplest moments can become something wonderful with a friend by your side.
“The Red Balloon is tender humorous and full of poignant symbolism, addressing the power of creative imagination, transcendence and the joy that children make of companionship and friendship,” says Director Chrissie Parrott.
“I am very excited about this project and absolutely over the moon to have an exceptional team of collaborators with. The cast of child actors are adorable and very smart little folks. My design team are outstanding individuals who are working closely with me to re-imagine this magical piece and bring it from celluloid and onto the stage.”
Albert Lamorisse was born in Paris in 1922. Starting his career as a photographer, he turned to directing in the late 1940s, making short films about the fantastical and imaginative world of children, and is renowned for his poetic visual style and the childlike innocence of his storylines.
Director: Chrissie Parrott Cast: Dylan Christidis, St John Cowcher, Ella Hetherington, Eloise Hunter, Rory McLaughlin, Ben Mortley, Sarah Nelson, Jack O’Neill, Katie Price Creative Mentor: Kate Cherry Set & Costume Designer: India Mehta Sound Designer/Composer: Ash Gibson Greig Lighting Designer: Trent Suidgeest
The Red Balloon
Studio Underground – State Theatre Centre of WA, William Street, Perth
Season: 1 – 17 October 2015
Bookings: 1300 795 012 or online at: www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bsstc.com.au for details.
Image: Orlando Ransom & Saskia Haluszkiewicz – photo by Robert Frith