Syracuse University Drama
Shipwrecked! The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont as Told by Himself
Part of Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts in Syracuse, NY, the Syracuse University Department of Drama offers degree programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design/Technical Theatre and Stage Management utilizing conservatory-style training in a university setting and in collaboration with the professional theatre, Syracuse Stage.
In the 1860s, a sickly sixteen-year-old boy leaves London in search of adventure. And does he find it -- a shipwreck, desert islands, Aborigines, a giant octopus attack, plus a loyal dog. From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies comes the amazing adventure of the real life Louis de Rougemont.
Performances:
9th - 14th August
Price:
£5.00 (£3.00) Family £10 (2 adults, 2 children) »
***** Edinburgh
***** Edinburgh Spotlight
Take yourself back to a time when you were tucked up in bed, all cosy and with your tummy warm from the hot chocolate you have drunk. Then open your ears and listen as a tale unfolds – a tale of a poor boy, leaving home and going on adventures on the high seas, leaving London in the 1860s on a sailing ship bound for Australia to hunt for pearls. Use your imagination as he encounters strange sights and sounds, makes friends with the ship’s dog and shucks oysters looking for the pearls which will bring riches.
Syracuse University Drama brings the Pulitzer-Prize winning Americal playwright Donald Margulies’ tale of Louis de Rougemont to life, using simple theatrical techniques to great effect and keeping the audience enthralled throughout.
The story unfolds in 10 chapters, with a different actor/actress taking the part of Louis de Rougemont in each chapter, but that’s easy to follow as the costume is passed from one to another to keep the continuity going.
Of course, as you’ve guessed from the title, disaster strikes and Louis is Shipwrecked on an island with only the ship’s dog for company until some Aborigines who are also lost are washed up too.
Louis de Rougemont’s story is an intriguing one. Searching the tale out on Google after the show shows that the central character was a real person, but you’ll have to see the show to find out what happened to him. “Truth is stranger than fiction, but de Rougemont is stranger than both.” (Wide World Magazine, May 1899)
We’d thoroughly recommend this show – it deserves to be a sell-out. Suitable for all ages, probably from around the age of 6 and up as it’s a sad tale in parts.
Comments by Alex (8): The story was very exciting, and a bit sad.
Susan (Adult Reviewer): Prepare to be entranced. This is an excellently written story which can be enjoyed by all ages.
Children's Theatre Carmody
Children's Theatre
Carmody Wilson
The Herald
12 Aug 2010
Shipwrecked!
Quaker Meeting House
***
Syracuse University Drama's creative re-telling of the incredible story of Louis De Rougemont has a simple premise, but a clear moral message: what are the limits of belief?
In Shipwrecked! the players unfurl the tangled story of De Rougement, a Victorian adventurer and hero of popular magazines in his recounting of shipwreck, desert island isolation and antipodean settlement.
The tale is replete with turtle-riding, marriage to an Aborigine and a desert trek through Australia. It won him widespread fame throughout England, but soon doubts began to form. Did De Rougement really do all that he claimed? Or was he merely a gambler and a drifter with an overactive imagination?
The cast easily creates a likeable character in De Rougemont, different actors portraying him at different points in his ordeal. The narrative flows smoothly - after some initial discord between De Rougemont's rather formal language and the contemporary delivery - and the earnest performances make the potentially over-long show an entertaining one.
Review of Shipwrecked
A fast paced production by a large energetic cast ‘SHIPWRECKED’ tells the true life story of adventurer Louis de Rougemont.
Broken into chapters this charming narration travels through the highs and lows of de Rougemont’s life. Leaving his mother at seventeen to see the world Louis finds himself boarding a boat in London, 1869 bound for the riches of Western Australia, the Coral Sea and pearl fishing.
Becoming shipwrecked is only a part of Louis’ colourful journey as he rides turtles, eats snakes and encounters Aborigines, closely accompanied by his faithful friend Bruno the dog.
Using bites of humour the young actors neatly dovetail to create a strong team pulling the audience in to the full and diverse history of de Rougemont.
However, it is not till the final scene when an intriguing twist is unveiled and Louis’ thirty year exploration takes on a whole new meaning, raising questions not only about de Rougemonts journey, but who he really was.
This carefully directed play enhanced by creative and witty use of props and sound fill the room allowing both children and adults alike to access the show and enjoy its voyage. Come aboard!
Anna Deregowska