Let out your inner child and enjoy The Untold Fable of Fritz by Unsettled Theatre at the Prague Fringe Festival in the Divadlo Inspirace Theatre.
Performed with precision and imagination.
The snow sweeps down from the mountain tops of the Neuchstein region, freezing over the valleys and the hearts of the people that live at the foot of the tallest peak. In the Kingdom of Brutzenvien a tragedy has befallen the royal household, as the young heir to the throne is consumed with a debilitating cough that no doctor can cure. The king vows that he would give his life to save his son, whereupon he hears of a mystical old man who might have the cure he so desperately needs. He now has no alternative but to embark on the perilous journey to find the one man who might save his son’s life. But what of his vow?
Using simple yet versatile props, the multi-roling cast of Paige Canavan-Smith, Anais Fallow and Tom Wheeldon, embark on the hazardous journey with horses and sleds over bumpy, pot-hole riddled roads with the elements against them. Performed with precision and imagination, specially rewarding is their impeccable enunciation of the tight script, combined with a sense of pace that moves the action on. But they have one more gem of a bonus up their sleeve. The Prince is an endearing puppet for whom it is easy to feel sorry as he endures the discomfort of the journey and the misery of his condition as he is carefully manipulated by the cast. Meanwhile song interludes reflect on the situation and provide a further dimension to the drama.
In accordance with their intentions, there is a joyous sense of playfulness in what they do and this production is certainly not without its moments of humour. Yet it is also possible to appreciate themes of caring, sacrifice and integrity that permeate the story.
