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War Horse: The Enchanting Collaboration That Captivated Audiences Worldwide

Max Turner

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Published in The Horse S Mouth: How Handspring And The National Theatre Made War Horse (National Theatre / Oberon Books)

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The Horse's Mouth: How Handspring and the National Theatre Made War Horse (National Theatre / Oberon Books)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1421 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	106 pages

War Horse, the celebrated theatrical production that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide, is a testament to the power of collaboration and imagination.

The Seeds of a Masterpiece: A Unique Vision Takes Shape

The genesis of War Horse can be traced back to the novel of the same name by Michael Morpurgo, which tells the heartbreaking story of a young boy and his beloved horse, Joey, during World War I. The novel's vivid descriptions of the war through the eyes of a horse ignited a spark of inspiration within Adrian Kohler, the co-founder of Handspring Puppet Company.

Kohler was captivated by the potential of using puppetry to bring Joey to life on stage. He believed that puppets, with their ability to evoke both vulnerability and strength, could transcend the limitations of human actors and create a truly unforgettable experience for audiences.

Handspring Puppet Company Workshop The Horse S Mouth: How Handspring And The National Theatre Made War Horse (National Theatre / Oberon Books)

A Creative Alliance: Handspring and the National Theatre Unite

Kohler's vision resonated deeply with the National Theatre, renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. In 2006, the two organizations embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to bring War Horse to life on the stage.

The National Theatre provided the resources and artistic expertise necessary to realize Handspring's ambitious vision. Meanwhile, Handspring brought its unparalleled skill in puppetry and storytelling to the production. Together, they created a unique and immersive theatrical experience that would captivate audiences for years to come.

War Horse On Stage The Horse S Mouth: How Handspring And The National Theatre Made War Horse (National Theatre / Oberon Books) — War Horse on stage at the National Theatre, London

The Birth of Joey: A Puppetry Masterpiece

At the heart of War Horse lies Joey, the lifelike puppet that becomes the embodiment of both the horrors and the triumphs of war. Handspring's team of skilled puppeteers spent months researching and developing the intricate mechanics that would bring Joey to life.

The result was a masterpiece of puppetry, a puppet that could convey a wide range of emotions and perform complex movements with astonishing realism. Joey's puppetry became an integral part of the production, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Joey Puppet Close Up The Horse S Mouth: How Handspring And The National Theatre Made War Horse (National Theatre / Oberon Books)

The Magic of Collaboration: A Shared Vision Realized

The success of War Horse is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision that united Handspring and the National Theatre. Each organization brought its unique strengths to the table, creating a production that was both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant.

The combination of Handspring's puppetry expertise and the National Theatre's artistic excellence resulted in a theatrical experience that transcended traditional boundaries. War Horse became a global phenomenon, captivating audiences of all ages and cultures.

A Lasting Legacy: The Impact of War Horse

War Horse's impact on the world of theatre and beyond has been profound. The production has won numerous awards, including Tony Awards, Olivier Awards, and a Grammy Award for its original soundtrack. It has also been adapted into a film and a best-selling book.

Beyond its commercial success, War Horse has left an enduring legacy. The production has raised awareness about the traumas of war and the importance of compassion. It has also inspired countless people to pursue careers in the arts, both on and off stage.

War Horse International Tour The Horse S Mouth: How Handspring And The National Theatre Made War Horse (National Theatre / Oberon Books) — War Horse has toured extensively around the world, captivating audiences in over 40 countries

: A Timeless Masterpiece, a Symbol of Collaboration

War Horse, the result of an extraordinary collaboration between Handspring and the National Theatre, is a timeless masterpiece that continues to enchant audiences worldwide. The production's innovative use of puppetry, its unforgettable characters, and its poignant message about the horrors and the triumphs of war have made it a cultural phenomenon.

War Horse serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, showcasing what can be achieved when organizations with shared visions work together to create something truly extraordinary.

The Horse's Mouth: How Handspring and the National Theatre Made War Horse (National Theatre / Oberon Books)

4.8 out of 5