By Colin Thiele and adapted by Tom Holloway. Sydney Theatre Company and Barking Gecko Theatre Company. Canberra Theatre Centre. 6 Jun 2015
Due to work commitments, my review of Storm Boy was rescheduled to a weekend matinee performance. This was actually quite fortuitous, because this particular timing allowed me to witness the joy of yet another generation of children discovering this Australian classic.
Based on the book written by beloved author Colin Thiele in 1964, the story was revived in 1976 by the South Australian Film Corporation in the captivating screen version and then toured by Bell Shakespeare in 1996 – so I think it’s safe to say that a fair portion of the country has been moved by Storm Boy at some time in their life.
Given that Storm Boy features a pelican as one of the main characters, I wondered how on earth they would translate this element to the stage this time around. Like me, you’ll perhaps be relieved to know that they don’t go and use live pelicans in the production, but rather realistic and painstakingly crafted puppets created by Aboutface Productions and designed by Michael Scott-Mitchell, that are about as lifelike as you can possibly get.
Being an adaptation, Tom Holloway’s version sees Storm Boy (Kai Lewins), his father Hideaway Tom (Julian Garner) and their friend Fingerbone Bill (Jimi Bani) living even more isolated lives in the Coorong, with less of an emphasis on Storm Boy’s schooling dilemma. Rather, the focus is on the relationships and trust formed around the endearing centrepiece they call Mr Percival.
While Storm Boy is embedded with poignant life lessons that are aimed at adults and children alike, the more unpleasant realities explored are gently approached through analogies and humour; the intent being to soften the blow. In this way, it is much more accessible to kids, who can still absorb the profound messages of the story without leaving the theatre completely traumatised.
It's certainly clear that the depth of the messages were sinking in – instead of the usual chatter to be expected from little ones throughout the show, during that fateful moment for Storm Boy and Mr Percival (you know the one I’m talking about) it is so quiet one can hear a pin drop, save for a few sniffles (mine included).
The performances by Lewins, Garner and Bani are immaculate, and as a team they display strong personal bonds that heighten the authenticity and intensity of their complex relationships and backstories – with Lewins as an emerging young actor really holding his own against his accomplished counterparts. They also perform quite intuitively, making their interactions flow in a really relaxed and natural manner between the highs and lows demanded of the script.
Anthony Mayor and Phil Dean Walford blend seamlessly into the background as the puppeteers for Mr Proud, Mr Ponder and Mr Percival, breathing an abundance of life into these affable creations. Their skilful handling of the puppets is incredibly nuanced, adding a real sense of wonder and mischief to the production.
The versatile set (also by Scott-Mitchell) brims with rugged coastal ambience. Much effort has gone into recreating the essence of the Coorong via pre-production visits to this iconic South Australian location to get a sense of its sights and sounds. Combined with the brilliant lighting and heart-stopping sound design by Damien Cooper and Kingsley Reeve respectively, the result is transporting and immensely visceral.
This latest production of Storm Boy is just another confirmation of this enduring story’s lofty status in Australian culture. It will make you laugh, it will most certainly make you cry and, whether you’re old or young, provides a meaningful education on the human condition.
Deborah Hawke
When: Closed
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Bookings: Closed
