A storm at sea...animals in danger...Like an old fashioned radio show, Robert and Carla tell stories about elephants that inspire hopefulness. Urban elephant stories become an overarching metaphor for memory, loss and reunion. The performance opens a window into the world of urban elephants whose lives are lived in zoos and circuses. Based on the true story of an elephant named Shirley, we learn of her life in the circus and follow her journey through a fire at sea, a circus train crash, and her deep connection with a younger elephant. The story tells of Shirleyıs separation from her only friend and their dramatic reunion.
This inspiring show becomes a catalyst for discussion about music making, storytelling and our relationship to the hidden lives of urban elephants. Orchestrated with an improbable ensemble of invented and found "instruments", the Minden Duo create a performance accessible to young and old together. As the drama unfolds the mysterious sounds of the musical saw, the multiphonic waterphone, yesterday's toy piano and the theremin, create a dramatic soundscape that reference circus. There are blown glass bottles, floating wooden bowls, and swinging vacuum cleaner hoses. The experience of watching and hearing ordinary things transformed into musical instruments is a surprise which heightens the pleasure of discovering natural sound.
"This
is a rare show that offers both strong artistic merit, an alternative pace and
enough "issue" for the teachers to justify leaving their classrooms
to attend. Long may it continue!"
Joan Flood, Artistic Director, Persephone
Theatre Youth Series, Saskatoon, Canada 2007
"Robert
is a master story teller - I can't remember when the theatre was as quiet during
a family show - everyone was hanging on to his words ...a gem of a show."
Margo Gram, Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver,
Canada 2008
"I have seldom seen 200 children so attentive and so engaged in live performance." George Sipos, Director, ArtSpring, Salt Spring Island, Canada 2008
"The brilliant creative partnership of Robert Minden and Carla Hallett inspired, challenged, enthralled and thoroughly entertained audiences that are still raving about the magical experience that was Hidden Elephant !² David Nairn, Artistic Director, Theatre Orangeville, 2009
poster by
Choom Lam
visit Hidden Elephant Slide Show
photo:
robert minden
Carla, calgary zoo 2007,
"checking sources"
