Our Cosmic Dust at Park Theatre. © Pamela Raith PhotographyEssentially an exploration of child grief, the story centres on Shotaro, a young boy whose close bond with his father was reinforced through their mutual fascination and obsession with astronomy. The boy’s world is turned upside down when his father dies, leaving his mother Yoko Millie Hikasa to fill the parental gap, whilst also bearing the unenviable responsibility of explaining the mysteries of what happens when a loved one passes. Of course the easiest answer to tell a junior stargazer is that their father has become a celestial body, but this literal ruse has repercussions. Shotaro is possessed of a bright and inquiring mind and becomes introverted and largely uncommunicative as he considers all the information and possible explanations of what happens to a person when they depart this world.
The young boy — who in the production is a puppet moved and voiced by Hiroki Berrecloth with the assistance of his fellow performers — embarks on a journey of discovery during which he encounters a number of individuals who are moved by his story and contribute to his understanding of the world around him. These include are rather scatterbrained young hospital worker Tara Nina Bowers who initially believes the child is trying to escape an abusive adult and who attempts to waylay Yoko’s efforts to locate her son. Also in the mix, is Alastair Hari Mackinnon who joins the chase having previously been occupied staring into the distance dreaming of and crying over, his much loved canine companion Figaro. These characters add an over exaggerated zaniness to proceedings, which seems at odds with Shotaro’s sombre and considered reflections, not to mention his mother’s anxiety. As a result, there are frequent and jarring moments of shouting and hysteria, irrespective of the considerable charm and whimsy which also presents itself during the production.
Perhaps the most successful and vivid moments, are those involving an older and more reflective Orion Ian Hallard as the owner of a Planetarium, who after a lifetime of experience (including some abuse from his former partner), has concluded that he doesn’t believe in an afterlife. Hallard’s scenes in particular allow the design star of the show to shine. Eika Shimbo’s huge 190 panelled video backdrop, opens the entire space to the heavens as the cast indulge in creating constellations as bizarre as anything our antecedents managed. These include a crutch, straw hat, Russian doll and ramen bowl. It reinforces a sense that the innocence central to the show, is aimed primarily at an audience at the younger end of the age spectrum.
The run continues at Park Theatre’s large space until 5th July.
