Q&A
Described by the New York Times “as a theatrical 'Wall-Eâ€, Tim Watts’ one man show features animation, mime, puppetry and music.
Q: Describe your show in 5 words?
Epic adventure under the sea.
Q: How did the show come about?
I wanted to make a fun, visual, one-man show that could cheaply and easily tour around the world. I had made the puppet in a workshop about a year and a half before, and some friends had been bugging me to make a show with him. Also I wanted to make a show about the whole environmental situation that looms over us all so menacingly, but I didn't want it to be an educational show, or one that makes the audience feel guilty.
Q: How realistic is this show?
Not very - the main character is a Styrofoam ball and a glove. It’s very much an imaginative journey for the audience, a whimsical extension of reality. It’s set in a world where the sea levels have risen to ridiculous heights, higher than scientifically possible so it’s more in the realm of Greek myth, than scientific journal.
Q: What does puppetry and animation add to the show?
The puppetry gets people emotionally involved in the show and the puppet is so adorable and lovable (although is just a white glove and a buoy). It sucks people in, and it can feel so alive. The animation is primarily there to visually narrate, to advance the plot in an interesting and engaging way.
Q: Any awkward stage moments?
Once in Delhi, India, there was a power failure in the venue (apparently they happen a lot in India) so the projector switched off, and we had to wait for about 10 minutes to get the show started again. I just played some songs on the ukulele while we all waited.
Q: Best audience reaction?
Best reaction from an individual was from a really sweet man in Sydney, whose eyes were full of tears, and he came up to me and took my hand, stared into my eyes for a few moments then said "you have so much heart", then hugged me.
Tim Watts stars in ‘The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik – Deep Sea Explorer‘ at the Judith Wright Centre from May 17-21.
