My family and I recently went to see Luna at the Filament Theatre. When it comes to the Filament Theatre, I always have something good to say and I'm not shy about it. But the real test is always my 3 year old daughter. We have been to wonderful shows, that were just better suited for older kids. She's notorious for asking "Is it done yet?" or "Can we go home now?" So when my daughter enjoys it, you know they've done a great job!
1. Play (noun) A dramatic work for the stage.
2. Play (verb) To engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation.
Here at Filament we are working to push that noun a little closer to the verb. Why should the audience have to sit quietly in the dark while the actors have all the fun? At Filament, you are more than just an audience. We invite you to step with us into the world of the story, and to help us tell it.
And that is exactly what they did. Have you ever walked into a theater and not been sure where to sit? I'm not talking about not being able to choose a seat, but actually not knowing where to sit because there are no chairs. The theatre was set up more like a play space than a theater. There were a whole bunch of mini stages that also functioned as seating areas. The audience was invited to move around during the show and participate, not just watch. This is wonderful for younger children who struggle to sit still to begin with. Sometimes the actors used the mini stage we were sitting on and they were constantly moving around the space drawing our attention from one corner to the another. It was an immersive experience, not just a show.
I also have to commend the actors. They had to have been improvising at some level. They were not just saying their lines, but talking to kids and asking them to participate. Sometimes they were directing them to a seat or inviting them closer to the action. And they were doing all of this while staying in character. That takes more than just an actor, but someone who is really comfortable interacting with children.
Luna tells the hopeful story of Soledad, a young girl who dances with the stars and sings with the moon. Her family follows the crops and with every move comes a new school and the struggle to make new friends. The imaginative Soledad finds solace in her constant companion, Luna — the moon. On her search for human friendship Soledad must challenge the world she knows and discover that “Taking risks is hard to do, but taking risks builds courage too.”
As a parent, I really appreciated the shows focus on a culture different from my own. It is important for kids (and adults) to hear others stories and trials to help them become more understanding and well rounded individuals. The story line tells us of someone who may come from a different way of life, but the theme rings true across all cultures.
Of course I would recommend taking your kids to see Luna. Filament Theatre is more that just a theatre for children. It is truly a children's theatre!
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