Be transported to another world when the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble presents a free, unique performance of the popular children’s book, Where The Wild Things Are.
QSE’s adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s book, first published in 1963, will use movement, stunning masks and live music to capture the spirit and journey of this classic story.
Framed by the evocative and picturesque surrounds of the lake and island in Roma Street Parkland, this short outdoor performance on October 18 tells the story of Max, a young boy who is sent to bed without his supper after a night of mischief-making.
However, a forest magically grows in his room and a boat takes him far away to a land inhabited by the wild things, who at first appear fearsome and savage, but who he eventually tames and is crowned the “most wild thing of all”.
QSE Artistic Director and University of Queensland lecturer Rob Pensalfini said the production has been specifically created for the Queensland Multicultural Festival and is about much more than naughty children.
“While at first glance Sendak's story and illustrations appear overly simplistic, Where the Wild Things Are is actually an insightful journey into the psychology of anger, especially among the young,” Dr Pensalfini said.
“It is Sendak's clear insights into the child's mind, delivered with joy and without judgment, that have made this book one of the mainstays of literature for three generations of English-speaking children.”
The performance coincides with the US release of the eagerly anticipated movie adaptation directed by Spike Jonze and filmed in Melbourne. Australian audiences can see the film from December 3.
Author Maurice Sendak has said he approves of the more mature treatment of the story employed for the film version.
“From their earliest years children live on familiar terms with disrupting emotions; fear and anxiety are an intrinsic part of their everyday lives, they continually cope with frustration as best they can,” he said.
“It is through fantasy that children achieve catharsis. It is the best means they have for taming Wild Things.”
QSE’s production will take place from 6.30pm–7pm on on Sunday October 18 at the Roma Street Parkland.
Media: Jade Ollerenshaw, Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble (jadelinlee@hotmail.com) or Trudi Saul at UQ Communications (trudi.saul@uqconnect.edu.au)
