Shadowland

Shadow puppets may be child’s play but critically acclaimed theatrical performance, Shadowland, transforms mere silhouettes into an engaging and enigmatic night of surreal entertainment.

Created by experimental dance company, Pilobolus, in collaboration with Sponge Bob Square Pants’ lead writer, Steven Banks, Shadowland is an amalgamation of shadow play, music and dance.

Through an inventive weight-sharing approach to partnering and sculptural creation, bendy bodies are gymnastically transformed into various animals, shapes, monsters and objects behind a stage-size screen.

Set to a rhythmic original score by American musician, producer and film composer, David Poe, Shadowland is an energetically innovative performance, which aims to entice and delight the whole family.

With an impressive number of performances in over 64 countries, Shadowland has established a name for itself as a pioneer in modern theatre and dance.

Lauren Yalango, who plays the young and naïve Dog Girl, believes that the show’s success is due to its unique form, “It is accessible, non-pretentious, and simply fun. Shadowland has opened up a new medium to the world,” Yalango explains.

The performance not only pays homage to the transformative power of the dark but also the outstanding capability of the human body.

“There is no other show like Shadowland out there,” Yalango proclaims, “we also have a surprise finale for Sydney specifically, so come check it out!” (EC)

June 17-20, The State Theatre, 49 Market Pl, Sydney, $89.90-98.90, 136 100, ticketmaster.com.au

BY ELISE CULLEN