Space Hippo is an award-winning epic puppet sci-fi from Japan. Using over 200 intricately designed hand-cut puppets, Space Hippo tells the story of a hippopotamus sent into space to save the world from impending doom. We sat down with designer and performer, Seri Yanai and writer and performer, Daniel Wishes.
What was the very first spark that made you think, “Yes, let’s launch a hippo into space”?
Seri wanted to make a show about animals, while Daniel wanted to make a sci-fi show, so we put the ideas together. We thought a hippo would be a great animal for a space adventure because they’re very cute but also one of the most dangerous animals on Earth.
With over 200 hand-cut puppets in the show, has Space Hippo ever had a backstage puppet mishap worthy of its own sci-fi subplot?
Yes, definitely! Often when we perform the show, a puppet mysteriously goes missing, forcing us to think quickly and improvise. We’re pretty sure that it’s aliens moving our puppets around because it couldn’t possibly be our mistake. We’re pros.
How do you balance absurd comedy and epic storytelling while still sneaking in a surprisingly emotional or environmental punch?
That’s difficult to answer. It’s different for every story. If you have a message that you really care about and believe is important, there are many ways you can share that message. We chose to share ours with an absurd, silly and emotional shadow puppet show.
If Space Hippo had a soundtrack, what would be her theme song—and who would voice her in the animated movie version?
For a theme song, maybe Starman by David Bowie or really any of Bowie’s space-themed anthems. For her voice, we would be honoured to get the legendary Academy Award-winning actress Jane Fonda. Her space adventure, Barbarella, was a big inspiration for us and we admire her contributions to political activism and workout videos.
You’ve toured the world with this show—what’s the weirdest or most delightful audience reaction you’ve ever had?
Once, after the show, an audience member told us “I can’t believe you made me cry over a piece of paper!” (Our puppets are made out of cut-up paper) We have also had many people scream “Lizardman!” at us when we least expected it. (Lizardman is everyone’s favourite character in the show.)
Shadow puppetry seems like pure magic; what’s your favourite moment of visual trickery in Space Hippo that always makes people gasp or laugh?
One moment is when we make a spaceship fly off the screen onto the walls and ceiling of the venue. It only works in certain types of venues but it is really fun when we can do it. There is another moment, but I shouldn’t mention it because of spoilers.
Space Hippo will open on Thursday 31 July and run through to Monday 24 August, daily at 12:30 (except 19 August) at Underbelly Cowgate, Big Belly. https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/events/event/space-hippo