LE VIEL HOMME ET LA RIVIÈRE/OLD MAN AND THE RIVER: AN INTERNATIONAL FAMILY CLASSIC!

WeeFestival (Ontario)

It was such a relief to finally get to enjoy the now famous OLD MAN AND THE RIVER which is beloved by countless kiddos and families all over the world for the last decade now!

The level of puppetry is astounding as is the profound subject matter which for me is about surrendering, the healing power of the natural world, deep transformation and end of life/death.

Here Julu was the youngest audience member in another sold out matinee but talked, laughed and babbled the loudest throughout the entire piece- I was almost worried but then remembered where we were and the whole point of this one of a kind Cultural Festival!

It was even sweeter when we got to greet half of the phenomenal puppeteer company, Alex Montagnese & Derek Kwan as Julu cuddled them both after the show!! I can hardly believe our good fortune!!!

SUZANNE ROBERTS SMITH is a critically acclaimed actor, director, theatre maker and also an artist-educator, percussionista and first time mamãe. You can check out some of her work here. With bebê Julu in tow, Suzanne is currently directing INFLUENCED– a solo bouffon show starring Samantha Chaulk as well as the THEHOUSE OF MAGIC a new play by Chiamaka Glory for Shakespeare in Action’s YOUNG CREATOR’S THEATRE PROJECT. Along side of Maria Clara de Sena and ensemble, a pregnant Suzanne co created ORIXÁS: Alive & Well & Living in TO thanks to the last year’s STROMBERGS FAMILY REALIZATION FUND via NIGHTWOOD THEATRE. This year, they are recipients of several recommender creator grants supporting the continuation and development of this one of a kind world premiere powerhouse piece. Suzanne is grateful to all pioneering parents and theatre companies who insist on creating inclusive accessible artistic spaces where all folx and little ones are most welcome. Here’s to this movement gaining momentum everywhere!