This is not–to–be–missed entertainment!
Wholehearted and gorgeous.
Delights a new generation.
MELBOURNE FESTIVAL CO-COMMISSION
Remember Monkey Magic? Reborn from an egg on a mountaintop, the irrepressible Monkey comes to life in a dazzling production of acrobatics, martial arts, comedy and puppetry.
Based on the 16th century novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en, Monkey... Journey to the West follows the trials of the long–suffering monk Tripitaka as he struggles to make his way from China to India to retrieve a sacred text that will bring happiness and balance to the world.
The road to enlightenment is paved with devious spirits and treacherous monsters, so Buddha sends some supernatural help in the form of Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy. Even so, the four friends will need every ounce of cunning, strength and magic to survive the journey.
Co–directed by John Bell and Kim Carpenter Monkey... Journey to the West features a multi–talented cast, Parkour Group, Team9lives and new songs from musician Peter Kennard performed live on stage.
Bring the family for a magical journey into the world of Monkey madness.
CREDITS
Creator/Co–Director/Designer Kim Carpenter
Co–Director John Bell
Writer Donna Abela
Composer/Musician Peter Kennard
Movement Director Scott Witt
Lighting Designer Sian James-Holland
Sound Designer Tony Love
Monkey Aljin Abella
Pigsy Adriano Cappelletta
Sandy Sam Devenport
Tripitaka Aileen Huynh
David Whitney
Lia Reutens
Lena Cruz
Jack Brown
Jair Coronado
Johnny D
Joshua Tieu
John Bell by arrangement with Bell Shakespeare. Supported by The University of Sydney Confucius Institute.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festival Initiative, managed by the Australia Council its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, Brisbane Festival, Melbourne Festival, Riverside Theatres Parramatta, Theatre of Image and Sydney Opera House and Canberra Theatre Centre.
Photo: Justin Nicholas
