ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on animating abstract objects and shapes, exploring the creative space where dance, puppetry and the visual arts coalesce in Theatre-Rites’ work. We will begin by discussing what Sue Buckmaster describes as ‘pure objects’, singular objects that may or may not have been purposely made with the intention of becoming a ‘puppet’. Following an exploration of shape psychology in order to better understand how young audiences might find meaning in abstraction, the chapter will analyse the use of pure objects as dance-partners, such as inflatable balloon ‘thought bubbles’ in The Thought That Counts (2005–2007) and lines of bendy foam in Mischief (2007–2011).
