If you could learn how to perform one of Aurélia’s tricks, which one would it be and why?
“Being the tunnel for the train. She made her posture seem natural, but she must have been somewhat contorted.”—Rachael S.
“That’s hard. So much of her performance is tied into the stage set that it’s hard to pin down a trick. One of the set illusions that I would love to peak behind would be the snow/lace box scene. It’s so enchanting.”—Nausicaa
“The four legged one….am still laughing about it.”—Jay S.
“Without a doubt, the first trick. This act was so whimsical, magical and fun to watch. The contrast between the beautiful human body and the furniture was nothing but a treat for the senses.”—Carlos N.
“All were delightful – my daughter most enjoyed the chest of drawers.”—AK
“Getting in and out of jackets, pants, shoes while in bed, upside down, waiting on two feet marks on a sidewalk – or even in my closet sometimes.”—E Rickert
“The person looking as if he/she were walking on his/her hands.”—Anonymous
If you could ask Aurélia to bring a dream to life for you, what would it be?
“Walking on water.”—Sally F.
“I loved the reverse world of her dreams. One interesting dream would be to portray the “haves'” (read the rich) experience the world of the “have-nots'” (read the poor). In these hard economic times it is so important for us to understand what people feel. A tender heart fosters genuine compassion.”—Carlos N
“A recurring dream for many years was being very big — out of proportion to all around me– and very small –likewise, intermittently, almost each time I took a breath or considered my state, it was the converse of what it had been. The visual measure was a huge black and white checkerboard that spread to infinity around me. Sometimes there were inanimate objects around me, sometimes animals, sometimes people, and I was often swinging, always moving.”—Rachael S.
“A music box scene, because I’m sure Aurelia would bring something different and special to it that’s never been done before.”—Nausicaa
“Watch a large egg develop from fertilization to a finite creature”—Anonymous
“Peace…here, there, and everywhere.”—Jay S
“If she could raise the dead, I would love to meet her grandfather Charlie Chaplin. He is the greatest actor that ever lived and the most significant figure in the history of film.”—Patty R.
Victoria Chaplin was inspired to create this production by illustrations from a book about a world turned upside down. What elements of inversion did you notice in the production?
“The kite flying Aurelia was the most striking. I loved it! The one where Aurelia fans her fan was also amusing. And the rat dragging the cat. There were so many of them, they were all delightful!”—Nausicaa
“From the rope trick to the hot ice cream to the puppet show. Daliesque delight.”—AK
“Most acts were pretty clear. I was forced to think about how it must feel to be turned upside down. Even though the entire play was like a dream, some of the scenes sure woke me up. All too often we just complacently see the world one way only, failing to see the “view from the other side.” DREAMS DO WAKE YOU UP!”—Carlos N
“The shadow opposite thing, the puppet show, the sitting in the chair upside down.”—pumicepal
“Many — kite flying a person; face creating a breeze for fan; person walking on hands, others.—Anonymous
Aurélia’s mother directed her in this production. What artistic creations have you made with your family (in public or at home)?
“10 hour production of the Iliad (just kidding — the war only takes 10 minutes). (concept borrowed from condensed versions of Shakespeare, the English author).”—E Rickert
“We wrote and performed plays when we were younger, classical music and books now that we are older.”—Patty R.
“We have cast each other’s hands, face and legs. In plaster.”—Sally F.
“We paint and draw in my studio.”—Ann S
“I am most creative when I play with my grandson and allow myself to enter his limitless world of possibilities.”—Carlos N
“Shared in grandson’s development of expertise in origami; granddaughter’s learning to draw”—Anonymous
“Christmas secrets: creative little projects we do collaboratively behind the backs of other family members. It’s my favorite aspect of Christmas. It might be a book or a piece of jewelry, or a song.”—Rachael S.
“Lip-synched to Diana Ross.”—pumicepal
“My mother loves small glass figurines and when my sister and I were young, we would constantly rearrange them.”—Nausicaa
American Repertory Theater 