The kids first encounter with the Paper Monkey Theatre was when they had a performance at SAFRA Jurrong. You may ask what am I doing there since I practically live on the other side of the island! Well, ask the Daddy! After he chanced upon the advertisement of the Paper Monkey performing at SAFRA Jurong, he was determined to bring the kids to see them. 24hourly Dad? But of course!
Hubby is a strong believer in the arts influencing the kids. He always wanted them to see the more vintage and weathered kind of arts, to let them know that it is not something that drops from the sky but it is there because of someone else's hard work and undying passion. With my kids being involved in theatre from quite a young age, they were suitably interested :P though it was quite the first experience for my No.3 as it turns out!
The short performance was to drive home how trees and animals are affected by deforestation using a simple fairy tale story with colourful and interesting looking puppets. The main character, a young girl, was presented as a shy person but with a strong desire to protect the forest and its critters. I had always been amazed at how alive the puppets become in the skilful hands of the puppet master!
Nearing the end of the show, "trees" were needed and the 2 older sisters "sabo" my No.3 and poor boy had to stand there waving tree branches but we could all see how excited he was! He was very taken by the main character as well and kept wanting to touch it!
After the show, we noticed that there were many other small and intricate looking puppets on display. It was very different seeing them up close apart from being on stage as one could really see how intricate the coloring was and how the expressions on the puppets were drawn to present its character!
One of the puppet master was also demonstrating a cute little dog that was unbelievably life-like! My No.2 was fascinated and asked to try handling it. Poor Mommy here had her heart in her mouth all the while as she pranced around with the little doggy! Thank goodness it was returned to them in one complete piece!
The kids enjoyed the play and completely no regrets driving all the way when we see the awe and the happy faces of the kiddos! It definitely isn't everyday that we get a chance to let them see these rare puppets up close and even try their hands at it!
So, when the Paper Monkey Theatre puts up a show - the Magic Lantern in collaboration with Esplanade to celebrate the Mooncake Festival, no prizes to guess who went!
I was initially worried that my No.3 will not sit through the whole 45mins. Thank goodness he did, most of the time apart from traversing from his seat to mine twice, asking for milk (yes!). Well, I can say he was *quite* behaved! At very least, no screaming and no tantrums. To which, I am most grateful!
This story is about filial piety and what caught my attention was a song about the greatness of Mother at the end of the show. It cleverly weaved in the modern day situation, asking us to go home and have meal with her...very touching!
To hear the song, click here!
All in all, I was again impressed with the extreme care and hard work that goes into making and preserving these puppets. They aren't exactly light to hold (kid you not! I tried once and the head was really H.E.A.V.Y!) Imagine swinging the puppet on one arm, saying its script with sword fighting scenes here and there as well! It was more than a job well done! It was a passionate display of how determined the puppet masters were, to continue to preserve this art form!
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A disclaimer - This is NOT a sponsored post. It was a post borne out of respect for the passion and the hard work of these puppet masters! I sure hope that my grandchildren will still get to see this art form!
