EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Lula Del Ray

Tell us a bit about Lula del Ray.

Lula del Ray is performed with overhead projectors, shadow puppets, actors in silhouette, and live music. Told almost entirely sans dialogue, Lula del Ray is the story of a lonely adolescent girl who lives with her mother on the outskirts of a vast satellite array in the middle of the desert. After a chance encounter over the radio, Lula becomes obsessed with a soulful country music duo, the Baden Brothers. Inspired by their music, she runs away from home and into a world of danger, deception, and disappointment.

What music inspired the piece?

Lula del Ray is set in the mid-century American Southwest and inspired by the music of Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, and Patsy Cline.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

I think the type of puppetry and staging we use is very unique. We combine handmade shadow puppetry, live actors in silhouette, cinematic editing and immersive sound design with live music to create a theatrical experience that is like watching a movie that is being made live in front of you. You can watch the show on a big screen similar to a movie theatre, but below on stage are all these overhead projectors, puppets, musicians, props, all the chaos of the show, happening in real time below. It's an interesting contrast and really asks the audience to engage with the technique as well as the story.

Do you think you know what to expect from the festival?

We did come to the Edinburgh Fringe last year and had an amazing time. Bringing a different show won't be the same, so we are excited to share something different with the audience. We are also excited to go back to our favourite pubs and food spots, and hike Arthur's Seat a few more times!

Who would you recommends comes to see Lula Del Ray?

Lula del Ray is a coming of age story for all ages. We work with gesture, metaphor, and motif in shadow puppetry since we perform without text or dialogue. In that way we are telling a story in a more universal language. We have been performing this show for a while and I am always amazed by how affected people are by the combination of music and imagery. It's a pretty moving story that I think lots of people can enjoy.

Timings and ticket information for Lula Del Ray are available on the edfringe website.

Photo Credit: Jerry Shulman

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