• HOME
  • LATEST READS
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Video Blog
  • About
  • Commenting Policy
  • Search Archives

The Theatre Reader

  • HOME
  • LATEST READS
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Video Blog
  • About
  • Commenting Policy
  • Search Archives
  • Menu

Marionettes marvel in their metatheatrical return

March 21, 2015

Nicholas Catania

Publicist

In The Daisy Theatre’s latest return to Toronto, master puppeteer Ronnie Burkett continues to break a variety of theatrical conventions in the best way possible. Reviving the stage with many of his naughty classics, Toronto audiences are being summoned to hilarity with a series of new performances and acts from the master marionettist himself. 

For those who have never been to Burkett's marionette masterpiece, the anticipation is gripping but well rewarded with two hours of consistent comedy. Whereas the humour is merely an added bonus, the real appreciation is attributed to the artful creation and thorough direction of the handcrafted puppets. Ranging from Snitzel to Turnip Corners’ finest, the characters are brought to life with an often homoerotic twist that will leave you laughing for hours after the final curtain has been drawn. 

Whereas direct audience involvement often becomes the breaking point for many productions, Burkett uses this to his advantage. Throughout the performance, a brief selection of audience members are brought onstage to interact directly with the characters and become immersed in the flow of action. A great deal of the production’s success stems from this engagement as we view humans coming into direct contact with strange, artificial representations. The contestation between reality and theatricality results in reflective tension, laughter and pure entertainment. Within the intimate cabaret setting, you cannot help but secretly wish to be one of the “unlucky few.” 

The production, in its entirety, is utterly metatheatrical. The diverse cast of characters range in race, ethnicity and background, all owning up to a previous history of minor and extreme backgrounds. Their costumes exude an eccentric drab. The garments are representative of elemental and thematic constructions, an intersection between commentary, critique and predominantly difficult histories. The faces are carefully crafted among a mix of stern, surprised and overtly exaggerated expressions, all owning up to the dramatic emphasis of their unrealistic state. Throw in some spotlight mixed with Burkett’s wild wit and you have a truly Canadian rendezvous of metatheatrical marvel right before your eyes.  

To miss out on The Daisy Theatre is to be as stiff as the lifeless marionette’s eager for their spotlight. The magic is in the movement, the comedy is in the critique and the tickets should be in your hands. 

The Daisy Theatre is presented by the Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes and runs to April 5th in the Factory Theatre’s Studio. For tickets, please call the box office at 416.504.9971 or purchase online by visiting the following link: ow.ly/KBfsT. 

 

← Daemon Theatre’s production of The Last Five Years instills hope among audiencesThe Unplugging's success lies in its accessibility →
  • The Theatre Reader
    TTR: We are very sad to announce we will be taking our final bow https://t.co/6JvXOlAM3m
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    REVIEW: Shaw Festival’s Dracula lures but lacks bite https://t.co/1oQyWOo6Rp
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    We're back at @ShawTheatre and in for a dark and dramatic evening. https://t.co/AptKoyH1z1
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR EMERITUS HONOURED WITH CREATION OF THE CHRISTOPHER NEWTON INTERNS PROGRAM #Shawfestival #TheaTO
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    "Feore’s choreography delivers some of the best dance numbers I’ve ever seen." #guysanddolls #TheaTO https://t.co/Sdiel6HZcZ
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    Hamilton Fringe Announces Line up for Frost Bite 2018 #HamiltonFringe
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    The Stars Align: Toronto Masque Theatre’s final season is a chance to celebrate #TheaTO #Torontomasquetheatre
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    RT @StephanieTzogas: Last review of the 65th @stratfest season for @TheatreReader : Guys and Dolls 🎭 Luck be a lady tonight 🎲… https://t.co/h1tU4ihGPy
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    REVIEW: @stratfest's TWELFTH NIGHT is "thoroughly entertaining" https://t.co/bO4SNQ6K4U https://t.co/uGXiWcgNzw
    about a year ago
  • The Theatre Reader
    RT @StephanieTzogas: Exciting news from @TheatreReader 🎭 support their #GetDramatic campaign today! https://t.co/0iXD4u7YgK
    about a year ago