LA MANEKINE (France) La Pendue UK PREMIERE

A scary forest, the devil, a poor miller and his daughter, a sinister deal and a pair of severed hands are the ingredients of this dark fairy tale adapted by the Brothers Grimm. But what starts in deception and sorrow ends in love and happiness ever after for a determined young woman and her handsome prince. Expertly performed, and with live, one-man orchestra accompaniment, La Manékine demonstrates the enduring power of puppet theatre to harness drama, comedy and poetry in telling sophisticated stories that resonate with modern audiences. ‘Funny, poignant, ethereal and satisfying’ Chicago Puppet Festival (on Tria Fata, LIMF 2020) ‘A musician holds the space with a beautiful mix of pared-down drum kit, clarinet, and accordion. A female performer-puppeteer moves and manipulates, speaks and sings, dons wigs and deconstructs the art of puppetry’ Total Theatre (on Tria Fata, LIMF’20) ‘Excels at creating a mysterious and captivating atmosphere with a live one-man-band and a single puppeteer who employs traditional puppets, shadow puppets and mask theatre to tell a simple yet whimsical and at times surreal story’ Art Times Journal on Tria Fata, LIMF’20 UK premiere Barbican, The Pit Tue 14-Sat 18 Jan 7.45pm (Sat mat 2.30pm) Runs 65 mins / no interval Age guidance 10+ Performed in French, with English sur-titles After-show discussion: Thu 16 Jan