Peter's Shadow
Peter's Shadow
Christine Marie | CREATOR & DIRECTOR
Lianne Arnold | SCENIC & PROJECTIONS
Kit Stolen | COSTUMES
Rachel Levy | LIGHTING
CalArts Ensemble Theatre II | 2009
Adapted from the novella “Peter Schlemihl’s Remarkable Story” by Adelbert von Chamisso, a twist on the Faust archetype, Peter’s Shadow is told through shadow puppetry, video and live performance. The mode of representation gradually transitions from an all shadow world to an all physical one as Peter gains self-awareness. Peter, who experiences the world through emotion and intuition, is balanced by the logic oriented Grey Man, who has gained access to the metaphysical, actualized by a video reality, through intense study of the natural world. The Grey Man offers to sell Peter a bag of endless gold in exchange for Peter’s shadow. When Peter realizes the loss of his shadow represents the loss of something fundamentally human, the Grey Man will only agree to sell it back to him in exchange for Peter’s soul.