Questions

For younger audiences

• Do you think Martin should have apologised for hurting Rose?
• Do you have, or have you ever had, imaginary friends? Could you draw them or write a story about them?
• Why did Rose have a special book? Do you think she was really a witch?
• What does it mean to be a fantastic friend? Can you write about or draw someone who would be the best friend in the world?
• What do you think it feels like to be a ‘new’ person at school? How can you help them?

For older audiences

• How are each of the character’s a symbolic representation of Martin? Particularly: Tengu, Wesley, Madonna and Spock.
• A central conflict in the play is between Rose and Martin. What other examples of conflict are used throughout the play? (Hint: think about Tengu’s story and Martin’s parents.)
• Captain Pathos has an atypical story structure. Is there a villain in the play? Where does the central driving tension come from?
• How is the staging used to hi-light particular elements: Rose’s book, Tengu’s story, the bridge?
• The director identifies central influences as Brecht, Meyerhold and German Expressionism. How did she use elements from these practitioners?
• The writer identifies his central influences as coming from Commedia dell Arte and classic comedy films. How did he use elements from these areas of drama?
• Take a look at the playwright and director’s note on the program. Do you believe the writer and director were successful in what they trying to achieve?