David Strassman – The Chocolate Diet

The simple act of ventriloquism is a complex art form, but when you add in multiple puppets, characters and some of the most advanced robotics seen on stage it becomes an entirely new beast. David Strassman does just that with his performances, combine that with his dedication to the art form and the grandness of his shows and it’s no wonder he has been performing all around the globe for three decades.

“When I was younger I don’t think I ever thought about the future,” reflected Strassman, “I just worried about being good, being original and being unique.”

Throughout the course of his three-decade-long career, Strassman’s characters have evolved as personalities.

“Each puppet has evolved over the years into their own personality with their own hopes, dreams, fears and nightmares. They started out very on dimensional but after doing so many performances over the years they’ve become completely three dimensional with the same level of character study that you’d find in a stage play.”

The physical puppets themselves have also become much more complex.

“Some of the puppets are very simple, Ted E Bare, for example is just a hand puppet. While others like Kevin, my alien puppet, is made of movie special-effects-grade latex, his arms are fully robotic – some of the most complex robotic arms you’ll find anywhere, and the computer that controls it one of the most advanced special affects computers on the planet.”

As he now prepares to bring yet another entirely new show, The Chocolate Diet, to Sydney Strassman remains incredibly appreciative of the support he has received over the years.

“I’m very fortunate to be a grown man who plays with dolls for a living.”

Mar 15. The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $49.90-$79.90+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.davidstrassman.com