Presented by Country Arts SA and Adelaide Fringe
Reviewed 4 March 2017
Normally in a roomful of babies and toddlers, I’d be concerned if there was no crying, but Our Corka Bubs silenced the handful in attendance. It is one of several events being staged this weekend in Port Augusta for the 10th anniversary of Desert Fringe.
Based on a concept by Sally Chance, four performers engage their young audience with music, dance, songs and matching behaviours. They’re playful, patient and cute. Choreographer and Director Gina Rings is joined on stage by Ngarrindjeri musician Owen Love, and two absorbing dancers: Caleena and Taree Sansbury (NB: some of the cast in the video above are different).
The music is a mixture of live and pre-recorded, with composer Heather Frahn proving some stand-out music which carries through the show.
The idea is to explore a baby’s world, which is made up of sensations of sight, rhythm, feelings and sound. Their senses of touch and taste are also encouraged by handling some egg-shaped shakers. It was impressive to see the engagement of the kids, some almost immediately, others by the end. The freedom of the child to participate, observe or withdraw is entirely their own, putting the child in charge.
Aimed at babies aged 4-24 months old, Our Corka Bubs is grounded in Aboriginal storytelling traditions and theories of early childhood development. It’s a beautiful blend to behold as the performers allow the babies to crawl freely throughout the performance space as part of the ‘play’formance.
The sadly short run is not currently scheduled for a season in Adelaide or surrounds, but the unique experience of Our Corka Bubs is one that families with bubs should watch out for as it continues to develop and tour.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 5: 4
Venue: LG Riches Centre, 6 Chapel Street, Port Augusta
Season: 4 March 2017 only
Duration: 40 minutes
Bookings: Season ended
Photos below are by Chris Herzfeld, courtesy of Country Arts SA.
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