TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND (TMTN) follows Peter across nine years, jumping between two key stages of his life; 10 years old in an Orphanage (1902) and 19 years in an asylum for the criminally insane (1911). Through both interwoven stories, connections are made to the make-believe Neverland, with lines from the novel given new context and meaning.Eventually the truth of Peter’s past is revealed and the children suffer the consequences of believing his stories.
This production cleverly deconstructs a classic children’s tale to tackle darker themes through familiar and accessible characters. Through Peter’s story, TMTN examines not only the prejudice and abuse against ‘mad’, institutionalised patients in the past, but the stigma which still follows mental health today.
The script is complemented by a unique and innovative execution of performance, the minimalistic style blending forms to create a contemporary, hybrid experience. Never leaving the stage, the tight ensemble cast will generate soundscapes, become the stylised crocodile and more.
“Trapped in an institution and unable to fly, Peter struggles to distinguish between real and make-believe. Nine years prior, he teaches the lost children in a London orphanage to fly. Can he escape the looming crocodile and will they ever grow-up if Peter wants them to stay young and lost forever?”
Written by Riley McLean
Tagline : A dark re-imagining of J.M Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’
Directed by Samuel Jenkins
The cast consists of Riley McLean, Samantha Lambert, Nicholas Thoroughgood, Zippie Tiffenright, Megan Kennedy, Anna Lambert, Layla Schillert and Katie Matthews.
Venue: The Lock Up 90 Hunter Street Newcastle
Running time: 95 minutes (no interval)
Tickets $35 adult
$28 Concession
PERFORMANCE DATES
Wednesday 16 November: 8:00pm
Thursday 17 November: 8:00pm
Friday 18 November: 8:00pm
Saturday 19 November: 8:00pm
Sunday 20 November: 8:00pm
Bearfoot Theatre is the Hunter Region’s leading queer identifying theatre company and specialises in the development of original work and amplifying marginalised voices. The not for profit is managed by a diverse collective of young theatre practitioners who develop theatre without creative limitations. Bearfoot has a mission to produce unique works of theatre which focus on current themes, challenge audiences and give a voice to young and diverse artists.
Website : www.bearfoottheatre.org.au
Sydney Arts Guide has one double pass to give away to the performance of TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND. Email editor.sydneyartsguide@gmail with TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND PROMOTION in the subject heading and your postal address in the body of your email. winners will be advised by email.