The Girl Without Hands begins with a poor miller who unwittingly makes a deal with the devil, sacrificing his daughter in the process. As the title foretells, the girl’s radiance compels the miller to sever her hands to fulfill the pact. This misfortune sets the stage for a journey through a fairytale world of kings, love, and resilience, culminating in a surprising yet fitting happily ever after.
Le Pendue masterfully weaves together these storytelling elements, using carefully crafted puppets and movement that dynamically advance the narrative. The simple yet imaginative use of objects evokes a sense of magic and wonder. Estelle Charlier and Romuald Collinet skilfully balance the tone, seamlessly shifting from quirky comedy to fast-paced rhythmic sequences to soulful songs. Charlier’s exquisitely detailed puppets bring this macabre and expressive world to life. The stop-motion-style projections, capturing close-ups and intricate details of the characters, add to the rich images throughout.
Martin Kaspar Orkestar’s live music further enhances the production, ranging from one-man-band drumbeats and harmonica to jazzy clarinet melodies. The musicians’ voices portray the well of emotions the characters go through, transporting the audience to a faraway land.
Daringly creative, magical and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, La Manékine is a tale worth living.
Show title: La Manékine
Venue: Barbican
Review date: 14/01/2025
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