Review from The Calgary Herald:

Tug of War presented by Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre, at the Calgary International Children’s Festival. By Alison Mayes (Herald writer)

Tug of War is presented by the three-person troupe Rag and Bone. This Ottawa group uses hand-carved wooden puppets to dramatize an action-filled tale based on the judgement of Solomon. The format takes a little getting used to: the puppeteers are fully visible behind the puppets, which stand nearly a metre tall on a table and are capable of very little movement. One soon becomes so engrossed in the story, though, that the mode of presentation seems natural.

The scene changes happen smoothly, and the pacing is just right. The plot involves a servant girl from the Kingdom of Dragonia, who struggles to protect a baby from a wicked general and a selfish queen, while trying to reunite with her beloved. In one especially good scene she crosses a rope bridge, chased by a soldier. Tiny puppets are used to create an illusion of distance, just one of the marvellous effects created with minimal props.

To complete the magic, Rag and Bone makes superb use of music. One member creates layers of atmosphere with the sounds from his accordion, drum, and hammer dulcimer. Tug of War gets imaginations humming. That makes it old-fashioned children’s theatre in the very best sense.

---

¶ Presentation was extremely professional….Great message — excellent amalgamation of multicultural story ... students were riveted to their seats—engrossed.
— P. Andersen, David Lewis P.S.

---

¶ The students enjoyed the production thoroughly ... The questions asked by the grade sevens showed they were truly interested ... enlightening, fantastic presentation.
—M.K. Grear, St. Timothy’s School

---