African Folktales with Erik de Waal
Joff Schmidt | CBC News | Posted: July 8, 2016 8:36 PM | Last Updated: July 15, 2016
FOUR STARS | De Waal stalks the stage as prey and predators in this low-tech, engaging puppet show
Rating: ★★★★
(Reviewed at the 2015 Winnipeg Fringe Festival)
Company: Kalabash Kidz, Edmonton
Genre: Storytelling
Venue: 30 — Kids Venue (MTYP Mainstage)
Erik de Waal has become a reliable Fringe mainstay with his delightful renditions of traditional folktales.
Using simply a few well-designed hand puppets, a mask and a couple of pieces of cloth, de Waal is able to entertain his young audiences thoroughly.
The carefully measured cadence of his voice helps draw kids in, but it's his playful back and forth with them — and his genuine respect for them as an audience — that keeps them engaged for his 45-minute show.
The two tales might burn a bit slowly for very fidgety Fringers, but for toddlers and elementary school-aged kids, de Waal is a reliable bet.
The carefully measured cadence of his voice helps draw kids in, but it's his playful back and forth with them — and his genuine respect for them as an audience — that keeps them engaged for his 45-minute show.
The two tales might burn a bit slowly for very fidgety Fringers, but for toddlers and elementary school-aged kids, de Waal is a reliable bet.