Celebrating the bond between humans and pets

Published on 03 September 2019

The bond humans and pets share will be celebrated later this month when the theatre production based on the true story of Pablo Picasso and his dog, Lump is performed in the Kerang Memorial Hall.

The 17-year friendship between the renowned artist and his elongated sausage dog is the focus of Lemony S Puppet Theatre’s production of Picasso and His Dog, being performed on Wednesday, 18 September from 11.30am.

Using puppetry, set transformations and live-art making onstage, Picasso and His Dog is a unique puppet play that combines the art and story of Picasso with the extraordinary poems of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and the text of Picasso's contemporary and lifelong friend, Gertrude Stein.

“Initially set in Picasso’s studio in the south of France, the story travels across time and space in a series of imaginative leaps using puppetry to transform the detailed set design as the performers play with scale, shadow puppetry, visual illusions, painting and sculpting on stage,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Picasso and His Dog also celebrates the relationships humans have with animals. In Picasso’s case, Lump became an artistic muse after arriving at Picasso’s villa in 1957, appearing in more than 50 of his works.”

Admission to the one-hour show is $5 for adults and children five years and over. Children four years and under may enter for free.

“Council has kept admission rates very low for this show to ensure that it is affordable for everyone,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“This performance is suitable for all ages and we wanted people from across the Gannawarra to have the opportunity to enjoy this delightful show.”

Tickets are available at Council’s Customer Service Centres at Cohuna and Kerang, as well as online at www.trybooking.com/YHKP  

This performance is supported by the Look Over the Farm Gate program, which provides funds for social events and community initiatives that bring together neighbours and the community to spend some time off farm to relax with family and friends.