Townsville Civic Theatre

2009 Schools' Programme

Townsville City Council presents a Schools' Programme each year at the Townsville Civic Theatre devised specifically for younger audiences for the entertainment and education of local children. A variety of national companies, recognised for their work targeting young people are included in the programme, which is designed to appeal to the 4 to 8 year old and 9 to 12 year old age group.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
(Canute Productions)

Monday 7 September, 6.30pm
Tuesday 8 September, 9.30am and 11.45am

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is adapted from Eleanor Coerr’s moving classic based on a true story of Sadako Sasaki, an ordinary feisty 12 year old, who dreams of one day becoming Japan’s greatest event runner. Suddenly she is struck down by a terrible illness, caused by radiation from the atom bomb that was dropped on her home town of Hiroshima when she was only two.

Despite her sickness, Sadako remains positive and never gives up hope that she will one day be able to run like the wind…if only she can fold one thousand paper cranes. There is a legend in Japan that if you fold one thousand paper cranes any wish you make will be granted…now many children throughout the world make them as a symbol of peace. Sadako’s message has become a global movement.Canute Productions create an astonishing over-sized origami set and the show literally unfolds before your very eyes. With evocative Japanese music and a little magic this production is beautiful and uplifting.

All the vitality and clarity that children demand. Handled with subtlety and sensitivity; engaging theatre that is a persuasive appeal for peace. SUN HERALD

Director: Chris Canute
Audience: 4 to 8 years old
Duration: One hour

The Fastest Boy in the World (Patch Theatre Company)

Monday 19 October, 6.30pm
Tuesday 20 October, 9.30am and 11.45am
Wednesday 21 October, 9.30am and 11.45am

Australia’s premiere theatre company for young children Patch Theatre Company, celebrates the wondrous imagination of children and the child-like inclination of adults in The Fastest Boy in the World - a whimsical ride on the wings of Henry Horatio Richard O’Dockerty’s fantasy to become the fastest boy in the world.

The production explores ideas around the concept of time, space and distance - Henry races against the clock and eventually learns punctuality.

It is a lively rock concert-style performance, featuring a four piece band, combining music, song, physical imagery, video-clips, puppetry, innovative lighting with storytelling.

Share Henry’s adventures and his passion for speed.

Patch are engaging the language of kids and, in this case, manage to get inside the heart of every little boy’s passion for speed and every person’s need to be good at something. LOWDOWN NATIONAL YOUTH ARTS MAGAZINE

Director: Dave Brown
Audience: 4 to 8 years old
Duration: 50 minutes

For further information or to make a booking contact TicketShop on 4727 9797.