Writer & Director: Jesse Jones & Naomi Moonveld Nkosi
The Ark in Temple Bar is a unique and special place. As an arts centre specifically designed for children, they create a warm and welcoming environment for children to explore art in its many forms. Their latest show, The Last Moth, is a beautiful story of one little caterpillar’s brave journey to save the moon. It was devised by artists Jesse Jones and Naomi Moonveld Nkosi and inspired by the cycles of nature. Caterpillar may be small, but she is brave and can overcome the challenges ahead of her to grow and change in an ever evolving world.
The story is simple and easy to follow for the young audience. Caterpillar, a delightful little character, discovers a scroll with the names of moths on it. Witch-like, she recited them as though they are an incantation to the moon. When the moon begins to fade away, she decides to find the last moth on the list, Mother Shipton, to help her save it.
The entire show is performed by Niamh McAllister. She is delightful throughout. Funny when it calls for it and serious when needed. She holds the attention of a young audience so wonderfully and had them laughing with delight and completely enthralled throughout. The squeals of joy when they caught sight of her after she had been offstage for a moment were infectious.
When you walk in, you are struck by the simplicity and beauty of the set design by Alyson Cummins. It is rooted in earthy colours so as to resemble a forest with chrysalises hanging from the ceiling. The sheer delight that swept through the younger audience members when they lit up at the beginning of the show was magical to witness. Even more magical, was them getting their joy as they got their very first glimpse of the caterpillar as she slowly emerged from the back corner of stage right. There are some beautiful projections such as a smiling moon and many different coloured moths used throughout the show to enhance the storytelling.
Humans pretending to move like animals can border on the ridiculous, but a perfect balance here is struck by movement director Jade O’Connor. McAllister’s movements are believable without being over the top. Likewise, her costume by Alyson Cummins, is simple and effective for creating the character of caterpillar and later Mother Shipton Moth who is donned in a dreamy gauzy material. This enhances the beautiful choreography by Aoife McAtamey.
The Last Moth is a wonderful family show. It was truly magical and delightful to witness.
Review by Zoe, age 3.5:
I really like the moth. Moths are my favourite animals now. I want to be a moth when I grow up. Did you see the lights? They were blinky. It was so funny when she ate her snacks. The caterpillar changed into a moth. That was so exciting. She had long antennas and big wings. I really liked the songs. I want to go back and see the moth tomorrow.
Runs Until 15th March 2026.
