SYDNEY FESTIVAL: SNOW ON MARS
Snow on Mars, created by Kim Carpenter’s Theatre of Image and aimed at ages five to 12, is funny, informative and entertaining. The production blends physical theatre, visual gags, maths and astronomy, video and country music in a moving story of a father and son who don’t want to face the death of their wife and mother. Each in their own way is chasing, “snow on Mars”: Waylon, 12, inspired by Australian NASA astronaut Andy Thomas, dreams of being an astronaut. His father (Elliott Weston) chases fame on the country music circuit, dragging Waylon (Rick Everett) and his Nan from one small town to another. All the performances are good but Deborah Kennedy as Nan and young Danielle Jackson as school chum Gabi steal the show. Everett stands out for his excellent aerial stunts and acrobatics. His equipment to practise weightlessness allows for some powerful visual imagery, both inspirational and reflecting the conflict with his father who constantly brings him crashing down to earth.
Until Jan 16, York Theatre, Seymour Centre, $24-36, 1300 668 812, sydneyfestival.org.au
