Adult Program Story by Yvonne Mes Illustrators and author James Foley took us through the process of illustrating ‘My Dead Bunny’ written by Sigi Cohen. His initial research into style and character development was done by watching old horror films and pouring over old horror movie posters, researching the style, fonts and colours used. He showed his progression from rather cute dead bunnies to zombie bunnies that would give children nightmares and finally to the creation of a suitably dead bunny that was just right. James showed us the use of perspectives and point of view to create unsettling feeling in the viewer/ reader and gave examples of shape, line, colour and how these influence illustrations. James finished this session on the process of creating an unconventional picture book with an unconventional quick drawing of a dead dog. Personally, I would love to see James complete the ABC of dead animals a la Edward Gorey!
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School, Family and Adult Program Story by Tyrion Perkins I still can’t believe there is a musical of Sigi Cohen’s and James Foley’s “My Dead Bunny.” And that’s after seeing it. Just two years ago I was hearing all about the funny/creepy book about a boy’s pet who comes back not quite right after death, and seeing the book trailer. Today I listened to the music and watched children around me tap their feet and even jig to some of the songs performed by That Production Company. It began with a bleak black and white set, the costuming and props matching the colour scheme of the book. The audience entered to the sound of creepy music that built up an atmosphere that lead to screams when lightning and thunder struck and Brad made his first appearance. The owner of Brad and his family sang the tail of how his poor pet met his electro-fried end, and how the boy came to dig him up. Brad was played by a large puppet when alive, and a silent but menacing Gary Farmer-Tricket in a green-tinged rabbit suit. The music was enjoyable. I particularly liked the one where Brad’s owner can’t sleep for the sounds of something “hopping down the hall.” The singers were all good, and the lead boy’s voice outstanding. We saw all the key moments in the book, with a few new events so it went for nearly an hour. The year five and six classes loved it, but I wouldn’t take the younger ones, as it is a bit scarier than the book. This stage version adapted by Cassandra Ramsay and Timothy Wynn with music and lyrics by Lizzie Flynn hits all the right notes. See it – if you dare... http://www.thatproductioncompany.com.au/ |
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