A theatre production based on a short story about magical realism will be told through puppetry when it comes to a Chilliwack stage in April.
The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings, a story written by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez in 1968, is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on April 3.
Presented by Riverbank Arts Centre from Ireland, it is described as a darkly comic tale for both children and adults.
The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings follows the story of an angel who mysteriously descends from the sky, landing in the courtyard of a humble family. The wise neighbour woman tells people he’s an angel. The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him, hoping to be healed by him, hoping for a gawp. They leave with something different than what they expected.
“In a time when what’s ‘normal’ now is up for grabs, there’s hardly been a better time to engage with magic-realist stories like Gabriel García Márquez’s,” said director Dan Colley. “They show that reality is not fixed but a matter of perception.”
This quietly charming and visually stunning performance plays cleverly with size and perspective, as García Márquez’s story comes to life. This production showcases the remarkable talents of the cast and crew, who breathe life into the author’s rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism. From the intricate set design to the evocative soundscapes, every element of the performance has been carefully crafted to immerse audiences in a world where magic and reality intertwine.
The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 with discounts for those in the Patron Programs and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).
This show is for children ages eight and older, and adults of all ages.
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