PREVIEW
Paper Playground
Foolish Operations
Thursday, Oct. 17 to Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
St. Albert Place Progress Hall
5 St. Anne Street
Tickets: $10 adults, $5 child. Call 780-459-1542 or online at ticketmaster.ca
In every young child’s life, there is an imaginary world just waiting to be discovered and unwrapped – magical unicorns, rap-singing mermaids, princesses with attitude, sword-wielding knights, fire-breathing dragons or even sinister bats.
There is no limit to a child’s creative powers.
Vancouver-based Foolish Operations exists to stimulate a child’s inventiveness and they’re setting up Paper Playground at St. Albert Place’s Progress Hall from Thursday, Oct. 17, to Saturday, Oct. 19.
“There is wonder, joy and open-mindedness that comes into play. There’s a lot of artistic freedom in building an imaginary world,” said Foolish Operations founder Julie Lebel.
Paper Playground is an immersive, full sensory experience that invites children six and under to create and collaborate on a dance. This playful and interactive dance involves a huge paper mat, drawing, movement, live music and projections.
A maximum of 20 children and their adult caregivers are accepted per show.
“We are four performers. We only accept 20 children because it’s about safety. We’re fully active dancing with children and more than 20 is too much. Everyone has a good time and no one feels crowded,” Lebel said.
Paper Playground animator Jacquie Rolston has developed an inspired story that explores the theme of water. Using boats and below the surface marine life such as crabs, sharks, whales and puffer fish, children cross the mighty oceans.
“Children are encouraged to move their spine like a fish or a crab. It’s really good for children’s physical and mental development.”
Juno Award winning violinist Meredith Bates, proficient in a variety of genres from classical to jazz to folk/roots, accompanies the action live.
“She makes all kinds of sounds that recall the sea, the whales, waterfalls and rain drops,” noted Lebel.
Children are encouraged to participate at their own pace.
“And if they don’t, they can have a good 35-minute cuddle with their parents.”
