This colourful and energetic interpretation of the ancient Chinese tale will also entertain fans of the seventies television show. The creator, designer and co-director Kim Carpenter is renowned for his highly visual productions and MONKEY is spectacularly in that genre. The stage, props, cartoons, videos, puppets, gymnasts and choreographed dance and fight sequences are all dazzling.
The story opens with an explanation Monkey’s power, brashness, banishment from heaven and being trapped inside a rock before being released by Tripitaka so that they can travel to The West, in this case India, to collect sacred scriptures to return to China. They are soon joined by the bumbling Sandy and the repulsive Pigsy to journey across mountains and deserts, fighting demons on their way, to retrieve the scriptures and atone for their misdemeanors.
As well being performed by the actors their journey is portrayed by images projected on a screen and by puppets. These sensual images are complemented by excellent sound and lighting. The use of billowing smoke, lanterns, drums all add to the stunning experience.
The music and singing, especially Justin Smith and Ivy Mak, again adds to colour and excitement.
The cast includes Aljin Abella, Darren Gilshenan, Aileen Hyunh, Justin Smith, Anthony Taufa, Lia Reutens, Troy Honeysett, Joshua Tieu, Jono Wong and Jair Coronado.
The creative team is do-director: John Bell, writer: Donna Abela, composer/musician: Peter Kennard, movement director: Scott Witt, lighting designer: Sian James-Holland and sound designer: Antony Love.
MONKEY…JOURNEY TO THE WEST is playing the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre until Saturday 10th October and then moves on to the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre where it will play between Thursday 15th October and Saturday 17th October, 2015.