Thursday's Child

Sonya Hartnett’s

Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge, Tim McGarry

Commissioned by The Sydney Theatre Company ED

Director Sandra Eldridge
Set Design Imogen Ross
Costume Design Kate Shanahan
Lighting Design Luiz Pampolha
Sound Design/Composer Jeremy Silver
Dramaturge Polly Rowe (STC)
Movement Sam Chester
Cast Charles Cousins, Belinda Hoare, James Lugton, Brendon McDonall, Janis McGavin and Kate Worsley

Program most suitable for age 12+

Thursday’s Child opened at The Seymour Centre on 15th May 2009. The production then toured to 40 venues within Australia culminating in a season at The Sydney Theatre Company as part of its Educational Program in November 2009.

This production was seen by over 10, 000 young people throughout Australia.

The Story

Thursday's Child is Tin, born on a Thursday and like the old nursery rhyme, has far to go.

A strange and lonely child who digs, his wanderings take him underneath the earth into the subterranean tunnels that he's pre-destined to roam. Told by his sister Harper Flute, it is a story of an Australian farming family's strength as they battle their way through the great depression of the 1930's. A surreal and epic piece of theatre that explores the themes of memory, fate, family camaraderie and the spirit of determination in a time of great change.

Thursdays Child is an engaging and deeply moving story that captures the heart and imagination.

Thursday’s Child on MySpace

Feedback

It’s not often that youth theatre appears in national media outlets but it seems recently there has been a surge of interest in the sector originating from the ABC.

Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People were recently the subject of a fantastic segment on the ABC’s Sunday Arts program. The program screened on July 5 and focused on Thursday’s Child, a Monkey Baa production which is currently touring around Australia. The piece has been adapted from Sonya Hartnett’s book of the same name and had its world premiere at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May.

I was at that production and, like many in the audience, was absolutely blown away. It was visually beautiful and featured outstanding performances by all of its cast. The physicality of Brendon McDonall in particular, who played the role of Tin, was quite remarkable. But I think the true sign of the show’s success was gauged post–show when I spoke to a series of young people who had been in the audience.

I engaged in conversation with primary and secondary students. The younger students really enjoyed the humour in the script but some of the themes were a bit beyond them, which was to be expected considering the show was recommended for 12 years and over. However, the older students seemed really struck by the production.

One high schooler even told me they play had made her regret she hadn’t enrolled in drama at her school!

So congratulations Monkey Baa and I really recommend that if you can, everyone should
get along to the show.

Madeleine Hinchy
NSW Contributing Editor LOWDOWN

I loved the play and how it was designed and it was very different to some of the other plays I have seen. The stage was well utilised as well.

Student

The acting of all of the charcters was truly remarkable to watch.

Student

An amazing experience for the class - for many their first experience of the theatre. The engaging story line, Australian context, adaption to the stage and innovative use of the performance space has given these students a greater understanding of the power of live performance and a new appreciation for drama as an art form.

Luke Cosgrove, Teacher

Just want to express our gratitude for giving our Year 9 students, myself and Luke the wonderful opportunity to view the fantastic production of Thursday’s Child. The experience was memorable and words could not express the learning experience that the students have gained. Keep up the great work.

Susan Turnbull, Teacher, East Hills Boys High

Exquisite, surreal, lyrical, original, accessible, whimsical, funny, bright and deeply, deeply moving. I sobbed and sobbed after the performance and I’m still not entirely sure why. That’s what superb theatre can do. You guys were superb. THANK YOU. PS - it might help you to know that I am a highly critical audience member as an ex-actor and current Literacy primary teacher who adores theatre (and kids’ books).

Lisa Ward

Incredible use of stage. The best play I’ve seen yet!

Student

GOOD! It was so entertaining, never did i experience a moment of boredom. It was very thrilling too, especially when the lights all blacked out and Harper screamt .. that was kind of scary, but that was good !

Janette Pacheco

In all honesty, the play Thursday's Child is to be congratulated. The cast, props, setting and music were all portrayed in such a manner that i was enthralled by the experience. The portrayal of all characters, especially Da, were magnificent. Unfortunately, i haven't yet read the novel, however, i believe that much of the storyline was based on the novel, so in retrospect, this is another factor to be applauded. The play contained little error, and all intended portrayals of feelings towards the audience was effective. I hope to be a part of another monkey baa production in the near future.

Cheers Nik

For my first play it was very enjoyable and was very different to what I expected and therefore I find that it was very enjoyable. GOOD JOB.

Ibrahim

The students could not stop talking about how much they enjoyed the performance. Many of them were saying that it was "The best theatre performance I've ever seen". And again, the same comments resonated - they loved the set, the storyline, the use of lighting and sound effects, and the acting. Just seeing students so enthusiastic and passionate about the performance was exciting! But also, from a teacher's perspective, I found that the performance was so rich in terms of things that the students were able to discuss in their work.
I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!

Cleo Smith Drama Teacher QLD

Thankyou so much for bringing theatre of this exceptionally high standard into the lives of students. There were many there who would never normally have the opportunity to see a show like this.Please pass on the standing ovation to your troupe

Jenni Heinrich

Order Thursday’s Child by Sonya Hartnett at Gleebooks Children’s Bookshop online.