Details

Tyke is a gripping new play that imagines the events leading up to an abused circus elephant's tragic break for freedom. Based on a true story, we use puppetry and theatrics to question morality, love, power, human and animal nature. Grounded in the true story of Tyke - who killed her trainer in front of thousands of circus spectators, escaped, and died in a hail of gunfire - the play uses puppetry to explore love, power, morality, and animal nature. Proudlove's world-famous circus is crumbling. Faced with a financial crisis, his enterprise could fold within a year. The ringmaster knows he needs to bring in the crowds to save it, and for this, he's relying on his prize elephant, Tyke. Stefan - Proudlove's protege - is tasked with teaching Tyke new and more demanding tricks. He hires a skilled and passionate apprentice, Veronica, to assist him. The two fall in love, but their relationship is tested when she rebukes the circus' brutal training methods.

Creatives/Company

Author: Rebecca Monks