Local theatre tingles in heritage month
By Jamie Melbourne-Hayward
When this year?s Wellington heritage promotions were named as "Theatre and Drama", local theatrical enthusiasts leapt at the opportunity to share their passions with a wider audience. Florence McFarlane is directing a play as part of heritage promotions; A Day in the Death of Joe Egg by British playwright Peter Nichols which runs from June 25 until July 4. ?The play deals with the sensitive subject of parents coping with a disabled child ? a spastic child. ?It?s about people being able to enjoy the humour that parents use to cope with raising a disabled child,? says Mrs McFarlane. The Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe is organising the performance at the Muritai School Theatre. Two 10-year-old twins are playing the part of a disabled child, in a performance that hopes to take the audience through a whole spectrum of emotions. ?There is a lot of pride in how to present this play appropriately; we want people to enjoy the humour between the parents. ?You can?t do this just to get a laugh ? that would be offensive.? Mrs McFarlane says the play is full of joy, tears, sympathy and disgust ? and is a chance for people to view such emotions from a safe distance. Other events organised for Heritage promotions include; ?All the World?s a Stage? at the Petone Library Heritage Centre, Britannia Street, which is a photo display of past theatre, drama and performing arts events in the Hutt. The Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe is also displaying selected costumes, props and backdrop solutions in the wide spectrum of era, fantasy and reality at the Eastbourne Library. Photo albums to stir memories of more than 21 years of Eastbourne theatre will also be on display at the library. For more information on heritage promotions visit wellingtonheritagepromotions.org.nz
