‘The Gruffalo’ hopes to inspire a new generation of theatergoers

“THE GRUFFALO”

In this age when kids are born into technology and grow up with gadgets virtually glued to their hands, taking them to the theater to watch live performances could be a refreshing change and experience.

Owen Guerin, who plays the title character in the ongoing Manila stop of the children’s play, “The Gruffalo,” said that exposing children to such shows is a good way to spark their creativity. “

It’s a brilliant activity because it encourages them to use their imagination and see things from a different perspective,” he told the Inquirer in a recent interview.

Adapted from British writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s acclaimed children’s story of the same title, “The Gruffalo” tells the story of Mouse (Ellie Bell), who sets off deep into the woods in search of hazelnuts. Along the way, Mouse encounters several predatory animals (Timothy Richey).

Encouraging children early on to attend plays, Guerin added, could inspire a new generation of theatergoers. “If we all do a great job now, young people could end up loving the art and take it with them to adulthood.”

Richey, meanwhile, pointed out that the problem these days is that some people already have a preconceived notion that theater isn’t for them, thinking that it’s perhaps something intended for a wealthier audience.

“But if you’ve been watching stage productions from an early age, it’s just like watching a film or concert,” said Richey, who plays the Owl, Snake and Fox.

According to Bell, another thing that may be preventing parents from doing so is the fact that they dread their kids might end up throwing a fit in the middle of the show. But in “The Gruffalo,” everyone is in the same boat.

“Everyone has children with them in the show, so it’s all good. We know that they can act up sometimes and that it’s OK for them to be upset or scared—because everything is very different to them,” she said, adding that she and her costars—from the UK theater company, Tall Stories—embrace the rambunctious atmosphere of their shows, because they’re interactive in nature.

“The show has beautiful music and is funny and occasionally a little scary. We try to break the fourth wall and engage the kids as much as possible,” Guerin said. “They laugh, they scream—and we love that!”

Directed by Olivia Jacobs, “The Gruffalo” runs until Jan. 31 at the RCBC Theater in Makati City.  Call TicketWorld at 891999.

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