A dot, a line, a triangle and a square are the heroes of this story. Together they create a magical theatre that speaks in the language of animation.
Inspired by the masters of modern art, sequences of abstract compositions appear to tell a simple story of identity and relationship with a human touch.
In this theatre of dreams, shapes seem to move on their own, like the pieces of a secret puzzle. Everything is alive. Anything is possible. The dot and the line discover one another in an ever-changing celebration of imagination.
In the heart of every child, there is an invisible ocean. Our story is a little boat to sail away on.
Without Words
Concept, design and direction: Alina Ashbel
Manipulation: Shani Wisman, Hila Cohen-Nitzan / Alina Ashbel
Artistic consultation: Marit Benisrael
Music: Nadav Vikinski
Lighting design: Shahar Marom
Photos: Eldad Maestro
"The idea is fascinating and the execution is admirable. In spite of the fact that the two puppeteers are unseen in the darkness, their team work and cooperation shine through wonderfully, and thanks to their work, the relationship and communication between the line and the dot flows smoothly, so smoothly that it appears as though we are watching a computerized animation movie rather than a live performance by two puppeteers."
-City Mouse Online
"What a wonderful opportunity to say thank you for this wonderful show. I saw the show with my son who is three and a half. He sat fascinated, and absorbed, laughing and interested throughout the whole show. It is one of the best shows that I have seen in The Train Theatre. It is a rare combination of aesthetics, wisdom and humor- and all in a minimal way. I have visited The Train Theatre since my early childhood, and nowadays, I am so happy to bring my son to the theatre to see a show like this. Behind it is great love, and talent, and an understanding that in order to intrigue children, you don't always need big noises but rather sensitivity, talent and comfort."
-Mishmish (reaction in blog of Marit Ben Israel)
"Aesthetic education of children depends a lot on good taste. The new show by Alina Ashbel, Kav Nekooda, in The Train Theatre, shines with exactly this kind of taste. Ashbel, who conceived and directed, and next to her Shani Wisman and Hila Cohen Nitzan, deserve all praises both for the creative idea and the wonderful execution on stage. It is a modernist theatre that uses minimal means to create a narrative.
Every artistic experience calls for an active engagement of the viewer. The beauty in this show is that four year olds are faced with this call that asks their imagination to complete minimal shapes, movements and sounds, in order to interpret and create a plot in their minds. This call only intensifies their enjoyment, as well as the adults who accompany them. This active engagement raises some gentle emotional reactions such as wonder, tension, quarrel, reconciliation, laughter and fear. The beautiful music that accompanies the dance of the shapes enhances the emotional effect and helps in interpreting the abstract movement."
-Professor David Hed, Philosophy Department, Hebrew University
The International Festival of Puppet Theater Jerusalem 2011
Duration of the show – 45 minutes
Recommended Audience - 150 people
Personnel - 3 actors, 1 technician
Stage size: 6m width, depth 4.5m, height 2.7m
Setup: 5 hours
Dismantling: 2.5 hours
Total Darkness obligatory
Graded seating preferred. If not, stage height should not exceed 70cm and first raw with a distance of a least 2.5m from the stage.
Lighting devices and affectations
2 P.C500/2MF300
2 Kvartz 100
2 Lighting stands
We come with our lighting system. We work on 220 electricity.
We need back stage electricity source and plug adaptors for standard electricity sockets.
Sound equipment
Good quality audio restitution system.
Stage clothing
Black backdrop along the stage behind out set and 2 black side wings.
