Hachikō: The Loyal Dog

Hachikō: The Loyal Dog

Have you ever loved an animal? Have you ever wondered why they are so loyal?

Be transported to an inventive and beautifully crafted cityscape as you follow the heartfelt journey of one dog who has touched the hearts of people everywhere. Based on a true story from Japan, Hachikō is a theatrical celebration of the remarkable joy and companionship that an animal can bring to our lives.

The story explores themes such as loyalty, resilience, and change, and teaches students that change is normal and can be a valuable part of life.

The puppetry is inspiring and inventive – it will become a springboard for classroom discussion and activity. Worlds of cardboard, paper and play transport us into cardboard cities, paper people and tell the stories of the inspiration one dog gave to many people all over the world.

Credits

Director Philip Mitchell

Animateur Ian Sinclair

Composer Lee Buddle

Lighting Designer Karen Cook

Designer Matt McVeigh

Production Manager Karen Cook

Devisors Bec Bradley & St John Cowcher

History and Performers

2012 Awesome Arts Festival
Jessica Harlond-Kenny, St John Cowcher
2012 North West Tour
Jessica Harlond-Kenny, St John Cowcher
2012 Regional Tour
Jessica Harlond-Kenny, St John Cowcher
2013 Regional Arts Victoria Tour
Jessica Harlond-Kenny, St John Cowcher
2013 Regional Schools Tour
Jessica Harlond-Kenny, St John Cowcher
2014 In-theatre season, Fremantle
Jessica Harlond-Kenny, St John Cowcher
2016 CircuitWest Regional Venues Tour
Barnaby Pollock, Sean Guastavino
2016 Regional Schools Tour
Barnaby Pollock, Sean Guastavino
2017 In-theatre season, Fremantle
Jessica Harlond-Kenny, Barnaby Pollock, Sean Guastavino
2022 In-theatre season, Fremantle
Kylie Bywaters, Sean Guastavino
2022 Private Performance
Kylie Bywaters, Sean Guastavino
2022 Regional Schools Tour
Kylie Bywaters, Sean Guastavino
2022 Outer Metro Schools Tour
Kylie Bywaters, Sean Guastavino

REVIEWS

“Thoughtfully devised and beautifully presented work from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, an offering for all members of the family to enjoy and discuss.”

Nerida Dickinson, ArtsHub

 

“The main puppet of the show was the loveable dog, Hachiko. He was made of cardboard, but he came to life on stage with wagging tail and all. In only an instant we forgot he was not real, and we fell in love with him.”

Alisha, Buggy Buddies

 

“To find yourself shedding a quiet tear over a plain brown cardboard dog quivering with grief is a curious thing.”

The West Australian

Creative Learning Activies

Acknowledgement of Country

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre respectfully acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional owners and custodians of the unceded land on which we work. As we tour our work across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations elders, past and present. We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.

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