Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones
It’s discombobulating to find that you’re the only one not
enjoying a show. Going by the reaction of the rest of audience at Jeff
Achtem’s Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones, I should be giving it
at least four stars. But I’m afraid I just can’t understand what they all saw
in it.
The show’s conceit is that Achtem creates his shadow puppets
on stage out of pieces of junk. He’s undoubtedly a talented puppeteer, and his
creations are rather ingenious, but after the initial moment of magic that
comes with the realisation of his cleverness, the set pieces themselves are a
disappointment. And with no narrative to speak of, the non-puppetry moments
feel too much like dead time, even taking into account Achtem’s endearing
clowning.
All that said, however, the rest of the audience loved it,
so maybe you should go.
– Jo Caird
