Trilobites (pronounced TRY-lo-bites) are extinct marine arthropods who lived about 270 million years ago. We know about their existence because of their exoskeleton imprints on numerous fossils. In 2014 The New York Times published an article called “When Trilobites Ruled the World,” which inspired a show called The Riddle of the Trilobites. Developed as part of the New Victory LabWorks, it is currently playing at The New Victory Theater. I recently got to see it and loved its fresh and unique perspective as well as its deep allegory to today’s world.
The story follows a group of trilobites who are trying to ensure their survival. They find out about a riddle which only the trilobite with markings on its face can solve. This turns out to be a young trilobite and together with her friends they find out they they need to get to the southern reef to find a rock where they will be able solve the riddle. Moving the rock will open an abyss in the ocean that will create space for them to live, thus ensuring their survival.
The show was clever and funny – lots of jokes for the kids, with some jokes just for the parents. The puppets were very creative and the songs were fun and catchy. I loved the singers’ voices (especially the women) and what I loved even more about this show is that all of the singers’ diction was very clear, so that young children can understand all the words. This is especially important in a show that’s not your typical fairy tale with a familiar story – it is completely unique in terms of subject, concept and execution.
One can’t help but see the parallels to our world today, with the changing temperatures, the warming of the oceans and the large amounts of plastic and metals inside of them. Just like the trilobites’ oceans are changing, so are ours. And just as they are scrambling to find a solution to ensure their survival – so are we.
The Riddle of the Trilobites is 80 minutes long and is appropriate for everyone ages 6 and up.
When: Through February 23rd, 2020
Where: The New Victory Theater
209 West 42nd Street, Between 7 &8 Avenues, NYC
Price: $17 and up
To Purchase Tickets click here. To purchase by phone call (646) 223-3010. Box office is open Sunday & Monday 11am-5pm; Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-7pm
Photos by Alexis Buatti-Ramos
I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for nineteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, ages 13, 10 and 7.
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