One of the things I love about SummerWorks is the unique multi-media and multi-disciplinary work it features. I had the great pleasure of seeing Mind of a Snail’s Against Gravity last night – on at the Theatre Passe Muraille back space.
Mind of a Snail is a duet of fun gals from Vancouver: Chloe Ziner and Jessica Gabriel. Against Gravity is part shadow puppetry, part live music, part human-generated sound effects, part clowning – an all big fun for kids of all ages!
Gabriel mostly handles the puppetry – in this case, using an overhead projector and transparencies (in some cases, using multiple transparencies to create cool animation effects) – and even becomes a shadow puppet of sorts herself. Ziner mostly handles the music and sound effects, using electric guitar and looping to create character and atmosphere. And the audience is welcomed – and encouraged – to create sound effects too!
The story in Against Gravity is an entertaining adventure of discovery and following one’s heart – but warns against letting your heart become imprisoned by emotions once you catch up with it.
Against Gravity is a spellbinding, trippy good time, with excellent work from Ziner and Gabriel. The show runs until Sat, Aug 16. Check here for date/time details.
You can also find Mind of a Snail on Facebook – and check out the Against Gravity trailer vid:
Department of Corrections: In the original version of this post, Ziner’s and Gabriel’s roles were reversed; this has been corrected.
life with more cowbell 
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