Out of the Heart of Darkness

The Wilderness Foundation UK is pleased to bring you news of a wonderful new production being staged by our friends at the Movingstage Marionette Company:

Movingstage Marionette Company present
A new marionette drama
Out of the Heart of Darkness
Based on the novella by Joseph Conrad
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Conrad’s birth
In association with the Joseph Conrad Society

The Venue: PUPPET THEATRE BARGE
Location: Little Venice, Blomfield Road, London W9.
Tube: Warwick Avenue
Buses: 6,46,187,414,16,98

A live animation production by Movingstage
Out of the Heart of Darkness
A view of a darker side

Out of the Heart of Darkness is a dramatic marionette spectacle that explores and reflects on the corruption, decadence and greed of Africans and Europeans who contribute to the debilitating situation in Africa today. The stage is filled with issues that only puppets can deal with; the subject is almost too large for the actor’s theatre. The catalyst is Joseph Conrad’s diary and novella, Heart of Darkness and the presentation coincides with the celebratory events programmed by the Joseph Conrad society and UNESCO to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Conrad’s birth.

This new play takes an imaginative look at Africa today and how diamonds still create tension, greed, darkness and dishonesty. The hand carved string figures are worked from above the stage and are made specifically for the production. The action moves dramatically from the River Thames to a river in Africa and is enriched by a powerful sound scape using the voices of some of London’s leading actors, including Danny Sapani (currently in Big White Fog).

The production uses unique and inventive staging techniques and design, creating an evocative and disturbing image of contemporary Africa. The show is seen as an excellent demonstration of Movingstage’s highly original aesthetic and, as such, is the perfect emissary for establishing marionette theatre as a vehicle for modern drama.

Movingstage Marionette Company prides itself in its constant search for new material to bring to the marionette stage. With over 25 years experience, the company is established as one of the leading marionette companies in the UK. The Puppet Theatre Barge, its own venue, is a comfortable theatre seating 55 with all modern facilities. Commenting upon the production, Gren Middleton, the company’s puppet master said: “We take great pride in the fact that very often the Puppet Barge is the first introduction people may have to theatre and for others the first introduction to marionette drama.”

DATES AND TIMES:

Performances Wednesday to Saturday each week starting
June 6/7/8/9, 13/14/15/16, 20/21/22/23, 27/28/29/30, July 4/6/7,
All at 7.30 pm except July 5 at 7 pm

THE BARGE THEATRE is an established feature in London moored in the picturesque setting of Little Venice. This unique venue has to its credit a number of successes with productions such as The Swing at Night by Howard Barker and The River Girl by Wendy Cope, both works were commissioned. Established in 1982 the theatre is rich in atmosphere & provides the ideal setting for the shows produced by Movingstage

BOX OFFICE 020 7249 6876 All seats bookable. Credit cards accepted
Ticket prices £9.50 Concessions £8.00

PICTURES AVAILABLE - PHONE 020 7249 6876

Movingstage Marionette Company, 78 Middleton Road, London E8 4BP
Telephone 020 7249 6876 Mobile 07 836 202 745
Email: puppet@movingstage.co.uk
Website: www.puppetbarge.com