Theatre of the Sun
Marie-Martine Ferrari
Marie-Martine Ferrari left the busy city life of Geneva in Switzerland, where she was a nursing sister, to arrive in Australia. It was love at first sight. Without speaking a word of english she learned the ropes of becoming an Australian through her skills in puppetry and mask theatre.
Her experiences with the famous Theatre de la Lune Rouge in Geneva and the commedia dell 'arte company Puppi e Frezede in Florence, brought a decidedly european flavour to the Australian theatrical landscape.
In 1984 she co-founded her own company "Skylark Theatre" in Canberra which went on to gain national and international recognition for its innovative puppetry style and captivating stories that always spoke to the heart.
Among their most popular shows "The Inside Story" reached out to thousands of schools Australia wide. So many children will never forget the image of "Shanda" arriving in her space ship to take "Pipa" on a journey inside her body, and how she dealt with "Guilt " and "Anger" until "Heart" and "Brain" reconciled.
On the main stage, "Hip Hip Hippo" was an incredible journey into the world of imagination and their magical adaptation of C.S. Lewis story "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was a treat for children of all ages.
Other productions:
Yodi and the Yabbi - (environment)
Strangers from Arkeb - (racism)
The Inside Story - (self esteem)
Salty Seagull Takes Off - (pollution-courage)
Tiny Pod and the Silverwings - (inner beauty)
Mysterious Egg - (adoption)
Scat Cat (Caring for pets)
The Winter Tree (Death)
Once Upon a Time ( French, Italian and German)
Strangers from Arkeb - (racism)
The Inside Story - (self esteem)
Salty Seagull Takes Off - (pollution-courage)
Tiny Pod and the Silverwings - (inner beauty)
Mysterious Egg - (adoption)
Scat Cat (Caring for pets)
The Winter Tree (Death)
Once Upon a Time ( French, Italian and German)
Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe
Quest of the Dragon - (power of imagination)
Charlotte's Web
Hip Hip Hippo - (facing fears)
Quest of the Dragon - (power of imagination)
Charlotte's Web
Hip Hip Hippo - (facing fears)
Marie-Martine believes that puppetry is a fantastic vehicle to bring a message, a wonderful tool to teach and to overcome self consciousness. Her communication skills and her "joie de vivre" makes her an excellent teacher.
Remember Jim Henson of Muppet fame? That great master of puppetry taught her many secrets and like him, Marie-Martine believes that nothing is impossible!
Moving to Melbourne in 1994 she started her new company "Ferrari Puppets" with Fabian Billerwell touring "Hands on Hands Up" and the "Mysterious Egg" throughout Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia for the next seven years.
Ferrari Puppets moved to Queanbeyan in 2001 working with The Canberra Institute of Technology teaching puppet, mask and muppet-making to adults.
In 2005 Marie-Martine and Fabian decided on a move to Tasmania and so created their new company Theatre of the Sun to encompass all of their collected talents and influences under this new umbrella opening doors into new ventures.
Currently Marie-Martine performs her one woman show called 'Once Upon A Time' in Tasmanian Schools, Libraries and Aged Care Facilities. She also offers latex puppet-making worshops for adults in her studio.
Marie-Martine also had training with international masters:
Jim Henson - New York USA
Tobia Ercolino - Firenze Italy
Erique Jeanmomo - Geneva Switzerland
Eric Bass - Vermont USA
Home
Fabian Billerwell Puppetry Once Upon A Time- puppet presentation
A Christmas Miracle - puppet show Puppet-Making Workshops
Film Guitar CD's
Fabian Billerwell Puppetry Once Upon A Time- puppet presentation
A Christmas Miracle - puppet show Puppet-Making Workshops
Film Guitar CD's