“Giraffe” is a whimsical and visually inventive creation by Thomas Noone Dance, weaving together puppetry, dance, and immersive video projections. Inspired by the themes of The Ugly Duckling and Giraffes Can’t Dance, the story follows Giraffe, a clumsy but joyful giraffe puppet who loves to dance, even if she doesn’t always do it well.
When invited to a party, Giraffe realizes her dancing doesn’t match the others’ expectations, sparking a wave of self-doubt which she attributes to Berta, the dancer who manipulates her. Giraffe blames Berta for her insecurities, leading to a magical separation where she retreats into a parallel video-projected world. There, she observes herself from a new perspective accompanied by Turtle, the wise storyteller, and ultimately finds acceptance – returning to the stage to reconcile with Berta and the other animals including the fabulous elephant, slinky serpent and somewhat over excitable Lion.
The piece explores self-acceptance, societal pressure, and reconciliation, all while playfully subverting gender norms and preconceived stereotypes. The video projections, created in collaboration with Carme Gomila, expand the stage into a dynamic, multi-layered space, sometimes duplicating characters, other times creating surreal and dreamlike scenes. The puppets, designed by André Mello in a stylised, anime-inspired aesthetic, bridge realism and childlike charm, ensuring accessibility for all ages.
With music by Jim Pinchen blending urban rhythms and tropical influences, Giraffe is a vibrant, heartfelt celebration of individuality, told through movement, storytelling, and a touch of theatrical magic.
