A HEARTFELT TALE FOR ANYONE WHO’S EVER LOVED A DOG…

For audiences 8+, loved by adults and young people alike
Non-verbal (except barking)
Visually and technically inventive
Running time: 55 minutes
Works anywhere from a Black Box to a Town Hall
Dimensions required: 6m x 6m

FROM CO-CREATORS ARIELLE GRAY & TIM WATTS

“New Owner resonates across ages because it speaks to the universal experience of forming bonds and learning to let go. We hope audiences leave with full hearts, perhaps a new appreciation for their pets, and a gentle reminder of the beauty and fragility of connection.”

SYNOPSIS

From the creators of international smash hits, THE ADVENTURES OF ALVIN SPUTNIK: DEEP SEA EXPLORER and IT’S DARK OUTSIDE comes a sensitive new show for all ages about friendship, loss and new beginnings.

Mabel, a lonely widow, adopts Bart, a spirited young shelter dog, to help ease her heart. What follows is a tender friendship, but Mabel is old, and Bart is young, and not all love can last forever. Suddenly alone in the big city, Bart must navigate a strange, new and overwhelming world: dodging menacing dog-nappers, scavenging in alleyways, and finding junkyard camaraderie.

Told through exquisite puppetry and spellbinding animation, New Owner is a wordless and moving visual journey through a dog’s eyes. A story of friendship, the imprint we leave on each other and the courage to begin again.

TOUR OVERVIEW

A DECADE AROUND THE WORLD… NOW READY FOR THE REGIONS

Premiered at PICA/Awesome Festival in 2016
Travelled around Australia and the world
Due to COVID cancellations in 2020, New Owner has never extensively toured the regions of WA.

CASE STUDIES: SHOWS ON THE GO

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

PREVIOUS TOUR ENGAGEMENT

“Watts and Gray’s storytelling art is deceptively simple but executed with considerable sophistication…New Owner sits perfectly in the timeless tradition of storytelling for children, and the child in all of us.” ★★★★ (The West Australian)
“Too often children’s theatre and media lack the emotional depth demonstrated for older audiences…to see a production not underestimate the emotional capacity of younger audiences and instead facing them head on in a safe environment is highly commendable.” (Canberra youth theatre)
“…the projections and puppets merge in a way that is both stunning and absorbing, and needs to be seen in order to appreciate”. (Stage Whispers)
“New Owner sits perfectly in the timeless tradition of storytelling for children, and the child in all of us.” ★★★★ (The West Australian)
“A wordless production, this deeply moving tale of loss and new hope is loaded with magical moments. (Pelican Magazine)

REVIEWS

"That was so cool! Lots of tears, lots of tears."
"This was a fantastic show. We always enjoy our visits... the show was the standout. BRAVO."
"The show was AMAZING!!!!"
"We wished the show was longer."
“That music was awesome”
“Why can’t I stop Crying”
"Loved the ending of the show."
"A great show with talented puppeteers."
“I liked the part of the dog stealing hot dogs.”
“This show was well done.”
“I cried so much during the show.”
"That was sad but so cool.”
"The play was powerful and memorable. I wouldn't change a thing about it."
"Fantastic! The puppeteering was phenomenal."
“The show is so heartwarming.”
“This was the best show I've seen.”
"Loved the subject, a small fluffy dog. Happy that his friend also got adopted! Good ending!”"

TOUR LOGISTICS

Touring party of 3
The entire show fits in 4 suitcases
The show is designed to be self contained. All we need is a dark space, some masking and a sound system.

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