AN international composer and a renowned Australian theatre-maker have combined to deliver a dynamic children’s production at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre this week.
The regional theatre had the rare opportunity of attracting international music producer and singer-songwriter Matthew Wilder.
Mr Wilder – who is best known for his 1980’s worldwide smash single Break My Stride – composed the music for the Especially on Birthdays production.
Over 900 children and teachers have poured into the theatre over the past few days to watch the show.
Presented by Country Arts SA and international theatre-making platform The PaperBoats, the production’s American iteration will open in the United States next month.
“It’s wonderful to see so many children engaging with theatre and enjoying what is a delightful show,” Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre manager Frank Morello said.
“Having the Especially on Birthdays team with us for a week was terrific and reinforces Country Arts SA’s new approach of having artists stay in a regional area for longer and connect more deeply with the community.”
The Helpmann – the largest theatre in regional South Australia – hosted nine performances of Especially on Birthdays, which included the theatre’s first sensory production with students from Gordon Education Centre.
“This was an incredibly special performance for staff, performers and the school and we were just delighted the children enjoyed the experience,” Mr Morello said.
Mr Wilder – who also presented an intimate performance of songs and anecdotes for invited guests at the theatre on Saturday night – collaborated with leading theatre producer Dave Brown on Especially On Birthdays.
Mr Brown said he was thrilled to bring the production to Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre stage and collaborate with Mr Wilder on the production.
“Especially on Birthdays is a performance that respects children’s intelligence and validates their experience of the world,” Mr Brown said.
“The performers draw the children into their world and create a very special feeling of intimacy and belonging during the show.”
Carving an incredible career in the global music industry, Mr Wilder produced the Gwen Stefani – No Doubt Album, Tragic Kingdom, which sold 16 million copies worldwide and wrote songs for Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and Miley Cyrus.
Especially on Birthdays is an intimate visual-theatre experience for children aged from four to eight and recreates the ups, downs and roundabouts and fun of birthdays.
Performed in an intimate setting with the audience facing each other across the performance space, the show invites participation from children, evoking an inclusive party environment.
The PaperBoats Project is an international partnership platform pioneering new ways of connecting and creating in the process of developing new theatre works for children.
