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The Fish: Festival Commission

Saturday · Saturday Shows

Joey Sheppard

When
1:15–2:00pm · 40 mins
Ages
7+
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A hand, the fourth finger and thumb pinched together are in the forground below is a rough cut out of a stick figure person. Not seen but imagined is a string between the person and hand. This image is repeated in purple and blue shadows behind.

Specially commissioned by the Wellington Puppetry Festival with funding from The Peace and Disarmament Education Trust, ‘The Fish’ is a magical puppetry performance featuring giant fish puppets, shadow play, crankies and physical theatre. A father shares the tale of his mother, who chose to live forever as a sunfish. When his daughter is swallowed by a giant fish, past and reality collide in an unforgettable journey of courage, family and the sea.

Content warnings: Flashing lights. Fear of death (being eaten).

A hand, the fourth finger and thumb pinched together are in the forground below is a rough cut out of a stick figure person. Not seen but imagined is a string between the person and hand. This image is repeated in purple and blue shadows behind.
A fish and child are silhouetted against a glowing paper screen

About the artist

Joey Sheppard is an award-nominated multidisciplinary performer, puppeteer; and a graduate of Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School. Now based in Melbourne as part of St Martin’s Youth Arts EMBOLDEN Emerging Artist Program, she creates tactile, imaginative work that challenges expectations and gives voice to untold stories. Community is central to their practice; alongside fellow Toi grads, Joey created a youth arts initiative in the south of Aotearoa, sharing clowning, puppetry and movement with young people to nurture creativity and connection.

Creative team

  • Joey Sheppard (she/they), Creative lead, performer, puppeteer and puppet maker
  • Thomas Steinmann (he/him), Performer, head puppeteer
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