CityLife

Little Leap Forward

I'VE made no bones about the fact that I'm a huge fan of Horse and Bamboo Theatre.

Its imaginative work in providing quality children's theatre has often made more of an impression on me than star names in large glirzy
productions.

This world premiere, part of a creative partnership between Barefoot Books and the Exchange, sees Horse and Bamboo present its most challenging work to date.

Based on a book by Clare Farrow and Guo Yue, it tells Yue's real story of a small boy growing up in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution.

Now an internationally renowned flautist, in 1966 Yue and his best friend were ordinary boys going to school and flying kites when he captures and cages a little yellow bird in the hope it will accompany him on his flute.

But, as the Revolution enforces its rules, his mother is punished for reading banned books. He realises that the little bird is symbolic of freedom and it needs to fly before it can sing.

Trifle trite

Told simply like this the plot may seem a trifle trite but with its signature use of animation, puppetry, masks and music, Horse and Bamboo conjures up the emotions as well as this true story.

Adapted for the stage and directed by Alison Duddle, the talented group of four actors, who are also puppeteers and musicians, bring to life an era within our own time in which childish innocence was brutalised.

My one quibble is this is recommended as suitable for children over the age of eight but it requires a degree of explanation because of one violent scene, which some may find disturbing.

Nevertheless this life-affirming story provides a reminder of the dangers of political tyranny and is beautifully realised by the small but superb cast.

Little Leap Forward is at the Royal Exchange Studio until Saturday, June 13. Various times. £9.50. Call 0161 833 9833.

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