Four tales from around the world were ably spun across the stage, as pupils from St John Fisher, East Oxford, John Henry Newman and Oxford Academy performed their take on traditional tales.

 

Firstly, a tale from the forest, as a young boy has to leave his native Tamil Nadu because of the poor working conditions and pollution caused by a mining company.  A modern twist saw him use the internet to good effect.  As well as a great opening counterpoint in the village market, the stage direction saw some fantastic use of shadows to give real atmosphere to the short play.

 

The Amazon rainforest was the setting for the second play, a cautionary tale.  Two children are warned by their families not to venture alone into the rainforest, but, chasing a beautiful butterfly, they get lost.  The animals, furious with humans for how they have treated their homeland, refuse to help them, until the spider monkeys come along.  Circus skills and dance added a celebratory feel, full of phenomenal performances, which quickly gave way to a nightmare.  But this was a tale of happily-ever-after, and the children made it back safe to their village and family on the trail of a butterfly.

 

The next play saw a modern take on the building of Rome.  Told through newsflashes, and bringing to life the river and the city being built, the performance felt lively and fresh.

 

Finally, an Australian myth of fire was told.  The opening scene of a video game projected large on the wall prompted low sighs of 'cool!' from the audience and grabbed their attention, as Luca was given a boomerang by his mum and told to get on with his homework.  Music and dance featured effectively and more than a few members of the audience were bobbing along!

 

So congratulations to the pupils, teachers and others involved in the Tale Trail project.  Altogether, this was an enjoyable and vibrant afternoon's theatre.