Using puppets, humour and music, the play reveals the impact this traumatic experience had on Florence’s relationship with her father as she walks beside his shoes. It also reflects on her experience as a migrant artist who has called Australia (particularly the Sunshine Coast) home for the last 28 years.
The play is a unique and moving story of a father and daughter, of human survival and the role humour, luck and stubbornness play in it. It is also a story of friends as family and the need for belonging, of Australia as a place of refuge, peace and new beginnings. It brings into focus an unfamiliar story of a father and daughter, of France and Australia and of war and peace. It addresses themes of human survival, displacement, and cultural and language barriers to communication and aims to inspire cross-generational dialogue.
- Venue Format
- Theatre, Hall, Black Box Venue
- Technical Rating
- Touring Party
- 3
- Considerations
Partial Black out of the stage for shadow puppetry and rear video projection is important Raised stage preferable Even tough target audience is not young children, the use of puppets and visual images has shown that a younger audience enjoys the show as well.
She Walks Beside His Shoes concept & draft script was developed by Florence Teillet with Therese Collie as Dramaturge, funded by RADF in 2009. The aim has been to create an innovative, new, Australian play that is accessible, portable, low cost and ideal for small theatre spaces, schools and regional touring.
The script is based on Florence’s dad's journal as WW2 resistance fighter, when at 17, he was captured and sent to concentration camps for two years. At the end of the war he escaped and walked for two months back home to freedom. In 2005 Florence retraced his journey of escape 60 years to the day. Her father died six months later. In his flat she found letters written by her from the age of 10. These documents are the basis of the first draft script. It explores the impact this traumatic experience had on Florence’s relationship with her father. It also reflects on her experience as a migrant artist who has called Australia (in particular the Sunshine Coast) home for the last 32 years.
- Company Website
- facebook.com/shewalksbesidehisshoesproject
Unique Selling Point
Local media always responsive to a great authentic storyLocal RSL branch always interested to support as well in a mean of free venue and free publicity
Community Engagement
Post show discussion: provides opportunities for audience to understand the issues relevant to WW2 and repercussion on families.
Also provide opportunities for audience to reflect on their own relationship with elders in their families (see testimonies)
The workshops: Participants will have opportunities to improve and develop skills in many areas such as: • Team work, decision making, leadership and problem solving • Develop self-esteem, self-worth and a sense of belonging • Self-expression, inner resourcefulness and creativity • Personal and social development • Empower young people through an inclusive creative process • Developing creative skills with professional artists
Comments/Reviews
Kath Williams
Media Review
Florence Teillet's honesty and passion in sharing the story of her father's journey and their relationship is palpable, heartfelt and poignant; I laughed and cried, it is simply beautiful and reminds us all of what life is about. I hope to see it many more times.
Ted Land
Media Review
Congratulations on your wonderful play last Sunday. There was lots of food for thought eg the impact of war on survivors, the development parent-child relations beyond the superficial level as the years progress. I also liked the imaginative use of puppets, humour, balancing tricks, juggling.