Tale of Tales

Tale of Tales is a gorgeously presented, beautiful story from Bow and Dagger Theatre Company, playing as part of State of Play for the Fringe World Festival.

Based on a true story and set during World War II, Antionetta, a known communist flees Italy for the safety of Australia, where she and her two young sons are interned as ‘enemy aliens’. Antionetta's husband, Sante remains in Italy, as part of the Italian resistance. They remain linked through the stories Antionetta tells her sons - linking them spiritually - although they have no contact.

A beautiful blend of historical narrative and fairytale, Tale of Tales is so well written and narrated by performers Clare Testoni and Paul Grabovac that it would probably work beautifully as simply a spoken monologue - but it is brought to life through exquisitely crafted, beautifully executed shadow art - as well as projections, and a soundtrack so organically created by Joe Lui that it feels like it is coming from within.

Clare Testoni trained with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, the International Shadow Puppetry Institute in Bamberg, Germany and the UK’s Studio Maguire - using techniques honed from this training, Tale of Tales uses forward projection shadow art, body puppetry, crystal refraction, family photos and historical documents - manipulated by Clare Testoni and Paul Grabovac with finesse, care and perfect timing.

Some of the best storytelling and warmest hugs of a show that you are likely to see at Fringe World, wonderful art with some important things to say.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: David Cox

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