Gothic fairytale in sign language

The Peninsula Theatre will host a gothic fairytale performance entitled The Grimstones from April 21 to 22.

Marketing coordinator Ms Terri Graham said people who enjoyed Harry Potter, Edward Scissorhands or the Adams Family will love The Grimstones.

"The Grimstones is a gothic fairytale for the whole family, about a about a girl who reads dreams, a baby boy with three legs, a mother who sews garments lined with warmth and joy, and a grandfather who heals people with his magical concoctions," Ms Graham said.

"The story is told with beautifully handcrafted old-world marionettes, giant books and sign language.

"The show has been designed and created by Asphyxia, a deaf circus performer turned puppeteer, who has toured nationally and internationally over the past decade.

"A chance meeting with a master puppeteer in Guatemala a few years ago introduced her to the enchanting world of marionette puppeteering.

"The Grimstones is the second puppet show she has designed and built, handcrafting each of the marionettes and the exquisite sets."

The show is fully booked to tour Australia until late 2010, when Asphyxia plans to take it overseas.

Members of the community will also be given the opportunity to take part in a workshop and learn "the beautiful language of the deaf".

"Join Asphyxia as she teaches the Australian classic song My Island Home in Auslan," Ms Graham said.

"This workshop is a delightful combination of music, song and dramatic expression, guaranteed to get you smiling."

The 40-minute workshop will run on April 21 and 22, from 12pm, at a cost of $10 per person.

The Grimstones will show at Peninsula Theatre, Woy Woy, at 10am and 2.30pm on April 21 and 22.

Tickets are available from the box office at $12 for children and $20 for adults.

For bookings, phone 4323 3233.

Press release, 9 Mar 2009 Terri Graham, Gosford Council