Jens Altheimer. Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights. 24 Feb 2018
With a combination of shadow play, puppetry, and various types of Rube Goldberg machines, Jens Altheimer steals our imaginations with a beautiful little tale of friendship, fear, rejection, and love. Loose Ends is a captivating hour of children’s theatre.
Billed with a G rating, there are some complex themes that very little, little ones will struggle to understand. A basic reading level is also necessary to fully comprehend the non-verbal performance.
Altheimer plays a recluse of sorts, whose fear of the world has trapped him in the confines of his own home. The unnamed character desires organisation, structure, and safety, and has confined all of his possessions – including his emotions – into labelled boxes.
The repetition of daily existence wears him down however, and soon he desires the comforts of friendship.
Spinning wool onto a wooden spool, Altheimer creates a companion to share his life with. He fully invests himself into his new, wooden friend. But friendships are complicated; and this one is no different.
Using a raft of ingenious contraptions made from everyday items, Altheimer draws laughter and joy from both children and parents alike. His Rube Goldberg machines have everyone cheering when they succeed, and rooting harder for him when they don’t.
A few select little ones get a go too, in a section of audience participation.
The result is uplifting, endearing, and simply delightful.
This really is a show for everyone, and one not to be missed for 7 to 12 year olds.
Paul Rodda
4 stars
When: 24 Feb to 18 Mar
Where: Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
