Magic of storytelling in Book of Everything
Sat, 4 Aug 2012, 10:47 ammuswell2 posts in thread
Magic of storytelling in Book of Everything
Sat, 4 Aug 2012, 10:47 amSt Stephen's School is about to go Dutch this August as it brings The Book of Everything to the stage.
Adapted from the Guus Kuijer children’s novel by Richard Tulloch, the play centres on nine-year-old Thomas who makes a record of everything he sees and experiences in the real and spiritual world.
It’s described as a story about courage and self-belief, told with “artless simplicity”, and explores the themes of domestic violence, religious tolerance and faith, the strengths and frailties of people, cowardice and courage and the power of love.
Directed by drama teacher Amanda Crewes, she believes The Book of Everything is an important play that addresses deeply significant issues affecting families and the church today.
“It’s a moving story about a special boy's abilities that help him to cope with his unhappy childhood,” she said.
“Thomas’ innocent view of things is heartwarming and serves to remind us that children have a very different perspective on things and, as adults, we always need to be mindful of that.
“This is a story that speaks to our souls – it makes us aware and gives us courage to stand up and say no, and be more determined to protect the magical world our children live in.
“With the help of strong female role models, even in the face of adversity, Thomas manages to hold true to what he believes in and is able to stand strong even though he is terrified and feels like he, as he puts it, ‘swallowed a hippopotamus’.”
Crewes said the play gave a voice to those who are often voiceless.
“It gets us talking, which is essential, especially because children have very different perspectives on things and many will be facing these kinds of issues,” she said.
“As adults, it makes us aware of situations that perhaps we would prefer not to acknowledge.”
With The Book of Everything, Crewes said wanted to create a magical world of innocence that is vital to the story.
“It’s something we have all experienced as children and, as a result, it’s a very physical piece of theatre, placing huge demands on the actors,” she said.
“As it is all seen through young Thomas’ eyes, it demands for over-the-top, eccentric characterisations.
“It’s the magic so cleverly balanced with the right amount of truth that makes this such a thought-provoking and ultimately a wonderfully warm, uplifting and poignant story.”
The Book of Everything plays at 7pm, August 8, 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are $15 – book on 9243 2100 or at www.trybooking.com/27552.
St Stephen’s School’s Duncraig Theatre is at 100 Doveridge Drive, Duncraig.
muswellSat, 4 Aug 2012, 10:47 am
St Stephen's School is about to go Dutch this August as it brings The Book of Everything to the stage.
Adapted from the Guus Kuijer children’s novel by Richard Tulloch, the play centres on nine-year-old Thomas who makes a record of everything he sees and experiences in the real and spiritual world.
It’s described as a story about courage and self-belief, told with “artless simplicity”, and explores the themes of domestic violence, religious tolerance and faith, the strengths and frailties of people, cowardice and courage and the power of love.
Directed by drama teacher Amanda Crewes, she believes The Book of Everything is an important play that addresses deeply significant issues affecting families and the church today.
“It’s a moving story about a special boy's abilities that help him to cope with his unhappy childhood,” she said.
“Thomas’ innocent view of things is heartwarming and serves to remind us that children have a very different perspective on things and, as adults, we always need to be mindful of that.
“This is a story that speaks to our souls – it makes us aware and gives us courage to stand up and say no, and be more determined to protect the magical world our children live in.
“With the help of strong female role models, even in the face of adversity, Thomas manages to hold true to what he believes in and is able to stand strong even though he is terrified and feels like he, as he puts it, ‘swallowed a hippopotamus’.”
Crewes said the play gave a voice to those who are often voiceless.
“It gets us talking, which is essential, especially because children have very different perspectives on things and many will be facing these kinds of issues,” she said.
“As adults, it makes us aware of situations that perhaps we would prefer not to acknowledge.”
With The Book of Everything, Crewes said wanted to create a magical world of innocence that is vital to the story.
“It’s something we have all experienced as children and, as a result, it’s a very physical piece of theatre, placing huge demands on the actors,” she said.
“As it is all seen through young Thomas’ eyes, it demands for over-the-top, eccentric characterisations.
“It’s the magic so cleverly balanced with the right amount of truth that makes this such a thought-provoking and ultimately a wonderfully warm, uplifting and poignant story.”
The Book of Everything plays at 7pm, August 8, 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are $15 – book on 9243 2100 or at www.trybooking.com/27552.
St Stephen’s School’s Duncraig Theatre is at 100 Doveridge Drive, Duncraig.