TUNKHANNOCK — National Theatre Live will come to the Dietrich Theatre once again at 2 p.m. Dec. 11 for one showing of the acclaimed filmed performance of the play “War Horse,” adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford, an international smash hit een by millions of people around the world.
“War Horse” is a children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, first published in Great Britain in 1982. The story recounts the experiences of Joey, a horse purchased by the army for service in World War I France and the attempts of young Albert, his previous owner, to bring him safely home. Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert’s hopeful journey takes him out of England and to the front lines as the war rages on.
Stephen Spielberg adapted the story in an acclaimed film by the same name in 2011.
One may wonder how horses can be characters in a stage play. In this National Theatre Live performance, the horses are life-sized puppets, brought to life by the Handspring Puppet Company of Cape Town, South Africa. Puppetry artists created moving, galloping, snorting horses out of materials such as leather and wood.
National Theatre Live filmed performances always include interviews with the creators. This time they include visits with the puppetry artists who show how they make the puppets move.
So far more than 700 people have come to the National Theatre Live filmed performances at the Dietrich. Most National Theatre Live performances are for adults, but War Horse is considered for ages 10 and up.
Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for seniors and members and $10 for students and children and can be purchased online or at the ticket booth or reserved by calling 570-996-1500.
