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Segerstrom Center’s Family Explorer Series opens with the Terrapin Puppet Theatre from Australia performing the moving and poetic play Boats on April 6 and 7 in Samueli Theater. Boats is the story about a man named Jof, as told by his friend Nic. These two life-long friends and mariners, who met through bizarre circumstances involving a chicken, a deserted island and a sombrero, escape their past and embrace the unknown future with a great sense of adventure.
The magic of storytelling unfolds right in front of the audience as scenes are depicted featuring acrobatics and spectacular sound effects created on stage. The characters of Jof and Nic transform the world by using everyday objects that would be found on a boat’s galley. From a circus made from a jacket to a storm made in a teacup, such imaginative use of space and puppetry has garnered Terrapin with a global following.
Audiences are encouraged to arrive early, as each performance includes an hour of free pre-show creative play activities and a reading area with an assortment of children’s books. The Center’s Education and Community Programs Department offers these enriching experiences to provide young people and their parents more opportunities to play together creatively. Studies show that this is critical to helping children develop their ability to think and problem solve.
Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s Boats is recommended for families and children ages seven and up. Tickets are $20 and will go on sale Sunday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets will be available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746. The performance on Sunday, April 7 at 1 p.m. will be sign-language interpreted.
Terrapin explores digital puppetry, which uses new technologies and cross platform practice to continually challenge and redefine puppetry as a visual theatre form. Terrapin creates new works through research and developmental processes that are designed specifically for each work. While Terrapin reaches to the future in its exploration of form and storytelling styles, it does so with its feet firmly grounded in the age-old craft of puppetry and theatre’s rich traditions. Terrapin’s productions engage all age groups and are designed to tour. The company injects skills and programs into the Tasmanian community, entertaining family audiences and supporting and developing artists. Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds The Charles & Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation, Inc. for its support of the Family Series. Acura is the Official Automotive Sponsor of the Center. OC Family is the Media Partner of the Family Series.
