Kids' APT Summer Spectacular | QLD

Free artist workshops, performances and tours for kids will bring the world of contemporary art to life when the Kids’ APT Summer Spectacular takes over the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery from January 16 to 26, 2010.

For more information visit http://qag.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/current/apt6/kids_apt

The Arrival - Sydney Festival -Review

Red Leap Theatre magically brings to life Shaun Tans graphic novel The Arrival during the Sydney Festival season.

In this wordless production we see a man leave his oppressive country to set up a new life for his family in an unknown country. We follow him on his journey where at first he is lost, wandering attempting to decipher new languages, foods and rituals. Along the way he meets other immigrants who befriend him and guide him in his new life and we also learn of what horrors have forced them to flee their own lands to this new one.

The Arrival is a beautiful piece of theatre that incorporates an ingenious set design, puppetry, dance and physical theatre to tell this universal story of overcoming hardship.

Some parts of the story may go over the heads of children under the age of 8 but they will still enjoy the visual beauty of The Arrival.

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Jan 10 -17 | The Arrival | Red Leap Theatre

CarriageWorks Bay 17

Bookings

The Book of Everything - Review

My son (aged 11) announced to me on Sunday that "The Book of Everything" was the best play he has ever seen. There are so many elements in this production that will win many hearts during the season at the Belvoir.

Adapted from the novel by Dutch author Guus Kuijer, The Book of Everything tells the story of Thomas, an imaginative, curious and sometimes scared nine year old boy. Thomas documents his life and how he sees the world through his eyes in his Book of Everything.

To escape the oppression himself and his family endure from his over pious and abusive father, Thomas finds comfort that comes in the form of chatting with Jesus, falling in love with the girl with the leather leg, learning about the beauty of books, overcoming fear from his new friends and writing in his Book of Everything.

References to Emil and the Detectives will delight readers of the novel by German author Erich Kaestner.

Kim Carpenter's set design is an absolute knock out and fills the stage with wonder. The interaction between the cast and the audience is fun and lures you right into Thomas's world. We fell in love with Julie Forsyth as Mrs Van Amersfoort, Matthew Whittet as Thomas and John Leary is hilarious as Jesus. The whole cast were all wonderful.

Suitable for adults and children> The Belvoir recommends audiences aged 8 and over - If you have younger children the domestic abuse scenes and themes may be too confronting.

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Season | 27 Dec 09 - 31 Jan 10

Belvoir Theatre, Surry Hills | Bookings or 9699 3444

Special children tickets prices and family packages available

Directed by Neil Armfield | Adapted by Richard Tulloch

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Page to Stage Workshop | Theatre of Image | 15 + 16 July

Conducted by Richard Tulloch and Kim Carpenter

Reinventing kids playground spaces

The Cool Hunter explores creative spaces for kids around the world.

We spend millions annually on "adult playgrounds" — stadiums, concert halls, bars, restaurants. We spend billions advertising and promoting them. Why is it that we do not seem to want to dedicate the necessary resources to give our children the best we can offer? The Cool Hunter

National Public Toilet map

Not exactly what is on, but possibly useful when you are out and about with the kids. A reference map for public loos. Probably need to encourage them now to do one with kids changing rooms and feeding rooms.

http://bit.ly/6kDqcz

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au