Locked – Rapunzel’s Lament
An elective mute locks herself in the safety of her inner world until a boy on a bike sparks the possibility of connection. The dislocated Rapunzel scoops up enough courage to piece herself back together and, hooked into her true voice, she sings…
About the work
The second promenade piece in the “Feral Tales” trilogy, Locked reimagined the tale of Rapunzel through the mental and social isolation of a young woman whose traumatic life has led her to retreat inside herself.
Three ages of Rapunzel work together to navigate the people around them and the ghoulish masks they carry on their faces. Even the boy on the BMX bike has a mask but his heart rings true to hers and, together, the three Rapunzels unite to climb to freedom and the boy.
Locked – Rapunzel’s Lament was a site-specific production that further explored Feral’s use of ‘Silent Theatre’ methods to address contemporary issues through a redressing of the sensory balance and our understanding of where theatre can exist.
“The real pleasure of Feral Productions’ approach to theatre is the way in which they continue to re-invent the theatrical experience - creating work that is challenging, exciting - a long way from traditional drama - and a really welcome addition to Herefordshire’s artistic landscape.”
How we made it
Continuing our relationship with the Royal College For The Blind, we worked to create a sound track that played with the inner world of the elective mute, paradoxically letting us in as an audience where other characters were denied access. Ironically set in a playground, Rapunzel was the only character who wore no mask.
Performances
Locked – Rapunzel’s Lament was performed at the playground in Penhaligon Way, Hereford over a week in October 2010.
“This is so different to anything I’ve seen, anywhere. And it’s happening here, in little old Hereford.”
Credits
Writer – Megan Barker
Director – Estelle van Warmelo
Choreographer – Tamsin Fitzgerald
Music & Sound Design – Phil Farr
Violinist – Rab Handleigh
Narrator – Ian Hughes
Voice of Rapunzel – Leoni Linton
Young Rapunzel – Livi van Warmelo
Teenage Rapunzel – Jenny-May While
Young adult Rapunzel – Patricia McCormack
The Boy – Alex Evans
Mother – Mina Nakamura
Father – Ian Hughes
Vocalists – Leoni Linton and Livi van Warmelo
Production Manager – Alison Palmer
Stage Manager – Rachel Duthie