Irish Hospice Foundation’s (IHF) ‘Peter and the Wolf’ book was originally created in 2003 with Bono and Gavin Friday part of the team who wrote, performed and illustrated the book. Both artists have continued their relationship with IHF and the story of Peter has now been transformed into a beautiful short animated film. The uniquely creative project is led by musician and composer Gavin Friday and saw him narrate the reimagined classic tale with The Friday Seezer Ensemble performing Prokofiev score, newly arranged by Maurice Seezer and Gavin Friday.
‘Peter and the Wolf’ follows a grieving 12-year-old Peter who is now in the care of his grandfather after enduring the loss of a parent. The character of Peter is loosely based on Bono’s younger years during the Dublin punk scene in the 1970s. When we meet Peter, he’s an angsty adolescent, but over the course of the story, a sensitive side emerges along with his resourcefulness and determination to uncover a thoughtful and very human side of him.
Each character in this telling of Peter and the Wolf represents different aspects of Peter, with the Wolf embodying his relationship with grief and the unknown, his grandfather representing his connection to family and the forest creatures who capture the comedy, naivete and carefree elements of childhood.
Gavin Friday said:
“The messaging of vigilance, bravery and resilience that were core to the original symphony are still echoed throughout our interpretation, but we spin a traditional fairy tale into a unique adaptation that also incorporates the topic of loss, redemption, and recovery. It’s my hope that this Peter and The Wolf becomes a balm for any child dealing with loss, alongside exposing and captivating them into the wonderful and musical world of Prokofiev.”
Paula O’Reilly, CEO of IHF says:
“We are thrilled to see this project come to life in such a real way and to have the support of Bono, Gavin, Warner Bros. Discovery and the whole team behind it. The story is for children and adults alike and we know it will help others to recognise their feelings of grief and how we can support each other.”
The animated short film is scheduled to premiere later this year. Peter and the Wolf is produced by BMG and Blink Industries and executive produced by Alistair Norbury & Stuart Souter for BMG, and Benjamin Lole & James Stevenson Bretton at Blink Industries.
