Singapore company I Theatre and UK company Kipper Tie Theatre team up for Our Island, a lovely children’s theatre piece about working together to overcome differences.
Three people mysteriously awake one morning on an island, full of strange noises and beautiful animals. When they discover one another’s existence, they are unable to communicate with each other except through gestures and sound. The characters, by the names of Ploof, Snurdge, and Quaggle are dressed in brightly coloured costumes and, as evidenced by their silly-sounding names, each has their own version of a nonsense language. Our Island shows that there are some forms of communication that are truly universal.
The action of the story took its time to unfold and they could bring in the physical comedy a little sooner to keep the attention of the kids and the adults. Once it does get going, it was clear there was more than just entertainment going on. It’s an educational example of how strangers with giant differences in language, religious beliefs, and territorial systems can work together to create a better world for themselves.
Hey, it’s a kids’ show, remember? There was still plenty of silliness and slapstick along the way. Especially when the three bicker and play tricks on each other. It’s a good bit of fun with a lesson or two about sharing and acceptance along the way.
