If a wolf should come out of the forest, then what would you do?

I admit that, as much as I loved Theatre Rusticle's 2010 production Birnam Wood, I was initially disappointed by their obvious departure from the story and chronology of Shakespeare's Macbeth --the play from which Birnam Wood takes its title and inspiration. Thankfully, I was quickly won over by Theatre Rusticle's outstanding blend of text and movement, and I took my newfound appreciation for physical theatre to their 2011 show Peter and the Wolf.

Theatre Rusticle's Peter and the Wolf was not your usual tale of a young boy's encounter with wildlife one wintry Russian day. In director Allyson McMackon's version, Peter --now an old man at death's door-- is visited by the eponymous Wolf. Through a series of flashbacks we then witness not only young Peter's storybook friendships with Duck, Bird, and Cat, but also the untold and complex relationship between Peter and Wolf. This is not your grandmother's black-and-white good vs. evil story. It is instead an exploration of the parallels between man and beast, the strength of childhood bonds, the conflict between destiny and desire, and the various meanings and consequences of confinement.

The cast of Peter and the Wolf performed magnificently under McMackon's beautiful vision. Theatre Rusticle regulars Lucy Rupert and Viv Moore, as Bird and Duck respectively, were delights to watch. I particularly enjoyed the goofy, goggle-wearing, but sincere Duck, and Moore's physical energy was enviable. Wesley Connor, as Cat, perfectly captured the feline blend of pomposity, affection, and killer instinct. Other highlights include an incredibly accurate portrayal of a zoo giraffe by Liam Hanebury, and a strong showing by theatre legend David Smukler as old Peter.

However, it was dancer William Yong's turn as Wolf that really anchored the production. Yong's lithe frame, powerful movements, remarkable control, and raw passion breathed life into a character that, far from being an evil carnivore, just wants to live and laugh and love. The sorrow and anger that Wolf feels when he realizes what restrictions nature and society place on him are palpable. This was a wolf with a soul, beautiful and dark and transfixing.

I can't recommend strongly enough that you keep your eyes peeled for Theatre Rusticle's next production, imaginary reader. I'll see you there!