The shadow puppet show gives the kids courage to continue their journey.
(Once Upon A Time… This Morning, 1995)
As festival season is upon us, I’m reminded of films I’ve seen that have left such an impression on me that I wish I could see them again.
In this film (from Thailand) the kids are trying to trek through the city on their own to their other parent. The come across so many challenges and one night, at a low point, the eldest girl brings out and uses their dad’s shadow puppets, taking on the role of telling the story their dad usually tells them – an adventure not unlike their current one… but seen through the dance of metaphor. The telling of the tale not only transports the kids out of their worries and into the magic of the story, but also gives them hope and courage to continue their journey… bringing them all together during their crisis.
How this magical moment reminds us of how important the “bards” are of this world as we all take life’s challenging journey: theatre, music, film, dance, oral tradition, shadow puppets… We work in an essential service in this industry, even if we can’t see the results immediately or directly.
… and that’s a magical, inspiring thought, don’t you think?
Cheers & good on ya!
Deb