SET in the streets of Paris, Albert Lamorisse’s 1965 film The Red Balloon tells the story of a young boy who befriends a stray balloon.
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In the midst of a harsh, post-war era, the film touches on the struggles of courage, and loneliness of childhood.
Far from the streets of Paris, in Hanna’s Arcade small street lamps and intricate iron work will set the scene of The Red Balloon, an adaption by High Country Theatre.
Director Barbara Albury said she chose the 1920’s building for it’s old world charm.
“I’ve done a lot of shows outdoors, in churches, I don’t think performances need to be restricted to the stage,” she said.
“We’ve had quite a lot to consider in creating this performance, the acoustics are difficult, the line of sight takes work – but we think we’ve created a space that will really take the audience to the streets of Paris.”
The original film received an Oscar for best original screenplay and the Palme d’Or for short films at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival.
Ms Albury said she hopes her adaptation will be just as enrapturing.
Pascal, played by Darcy Dwyer, will show audiences the whimsical relationship between a boy who finds a red balloon tied to a lamp post.
But, he quickly realises the balloon isn’t all it seems.
Following him through Paris, creating mischief wherever it goes, the balloon and Pascal become fast friends – a relationship other children seem determined to destroy.
With little dialogue in the film, Ms Albury said she has had to find ways to tell the story while still remaining true to the original.
“There weren’t many lines at all in the original film,” she said.
“But, in our performance we will have performers singing, and the story will be told from the balconies of Hanna’s Arcade, where shopfronts and cafe’s will line the second story.
“That’s something I really enjoy doing, transforming a space that isn’t generally considered a performance space, I’ve done that a lot.”
The performance will feature actors of all ages, including families, many of which have starred in a number of Ms Albury’s productions.
In the past she has directed The Little Prince, with an extensive cast of local actors and actresses.
“We really had so much fun with The Little Prince,” Ms Albury said.
“The cast was quite large one.
“I found that getting everyone to work together, and seeing the children blossom was really fantastic.
“A lot of people commented that it was one of their favourite parts of the show.”