Kiki and Zuki
ABOUT
The work is inspired by the artists’ migrant experience who use two languages to navigate their lives in Australia for day-to-day activities and self-expression. The tale unfolds around a creature from the moon and the earthlings who use different ways of communication. Their friendship unfolds with elements of support, curiocity, conflict, mutual support, romance, and resilience.
The story is uniquely conveyed through a combination of puppetry, shadow puppetry, and performative storytelling. This innovative approach enhances the narrative, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences as the characters navigate the complexities of their relationship and migrant existence.
Join us for a captivating shadow puppetry theatre for children and families. Inspired by the artists’ own migrant journey of navigating life in Australia while being in two cultures, the tale follows a creature from the moon, Kiki, and the earthling, Zuki, who use different ways of communication. Through a mesmerizing fusion of shadow puppetry and performative storytelling, Kiki and Zuki innovatively weave together a tapestry of emotions and experiences.
CREATORS
Co-creator, concept and Performer
Taka Takiguchi
Co-creator, visual art and Performer
Yoube Lee
Compositions
Ai Yamamoto
PRODUCTION HISTORY
Spring School Holiday Program
23, 25, 26 September 2024
Banyule Health Centre & Ivanhoe Library & Cultural Hub
Melbourne, Australia
Development Showing
29 August 2024
Baboon House
Melacca, Malaysia
Note: Please contact for Full length documentation video
TESTIMONY
It was delightful to see the development and presentation of 'Kiki and Zuki' as part of Banyule City Council’s Arts and Culture program. The work cleverly weaved diverse shadow puppetry techniques and movement with nuanced migration stories inspired by the artist's own experience, to create a show tailored for children and families. The experience was truly special and unique for our community and all performance sessions were booked out across two venues. We received feedback noting that the work was both entertaining and enriching for children and adults, and particularly resonated with parents from migrant backgrounds. We strongly recommend "Kiki and Zuki" for your communities as well.
- Banyule City Council, Arts and Culture
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The work was conceived, developed and presented with the suppport of the team of Hiroki Kobayashi and the team.
This project was assisted by Melaka Festival 2024 (Tony Yap) for an in-kind performance space at Baboon house in Melaka Malaysia.