The jaunty sounds of The Teddy Bears’ Picnic could easily lull audiences into a false sense of security as they anticipate the performance of The House from Denmark’s Sofie Krog Teater. That illusion is already shaky as the magnificently created set that is the eponymous house stares out at the audience like a creepy gapped tooth old grey head and is shattered by puppeteer Sofie Krog. Beautifully dressed in a grey/black big- pocketed ensemble that is in keeping with her role as puppeteer – discreet yet notably stylish- she lays the ground for the darkness that’s held inside The House, teasing with the words “ …if walls could talk.”
The story, created by Sofie Krog and David Faraco, a puppeteer and set designer who joined her 2003 company in 2009 and together have performed in over 31 countries, winning numerous awards, takes place in the Warehouse Family Funeral home. In a delicious mix of levity and suspense, sleekit deeds by Flora and her husband Henry abound involving will altering and revelations of family secrets. In a room at the top of the house, with only her faithful intelligent dog for company, lies the unfortunate Mrs Esperanza and, giving the show the perfect balance of absurdity, are brothers and hapless robbers, Tony and Bruno.
What plays out on the ingenious revolving set is a hilariously Hitchcockian puppet show with murderous acts; a hint of necromancy and a dog as sleuth, whose powers of communication – Wooflais? – vastly outweigh those of clownish criminals Tony and Bruno.
Background music on a seriously cinematic level from Cuco Pérez adds depth to an already hefty production that is woven with a range of old tunes such as The Sheik of Araby, la Cucaracha and an ironic music box version of the lovely old waltz, The Anniversary Song.
While the actual address of The House is never revealed, if the number 9 were involved it would be no surprise as the themes are worthy of an episode of the UK black comedy series, Inside No. 9. In a delicious blend of playful and sinister, The House is a miracle of rod puppetry that absolutely lives up to its claim of being a ‘puppet comedy thriller’ well worthy of seeing again and again – if possible. Krog and Faraco are masters of their craft!
The House is a joint Danish and Spanish production that had its Scottish premiere at the Traverse Theatre as part of the 17th edition of the Manipulate Festival that takes place between 1st and 11th February 2024.
Running time 55 minutes
Age recommend 13+
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 