Magical Theatre for Children

A host of enchanted fairies and elves will take-up residence at the University of Southern Queensland  USQ) during this year's Breez Finance Children's Festival in June. 

The annual Festival attracts thousands of children to the University, and as part of this year's event USQ will present an all-new adaptation of William Shakespeare's delightful Midsummer Night's Dream for children.

Senior Lecturer in Acting, Mr Robert Ketton, has over thirty years' experience in theatre for young people and will be co-ordinating this year's production.

'The adaptation will offer children of all ages a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare and live theatre in general,' he said.

Multi-award winning Brisbane-based theatre professional, Barbara Lowing has been secured to adapt and direct the production.

She has contributed to the creation of over thirty new works for the Australian stage over the past two decades.

Barbara's adaptation of Midsummer Night's Dream will use simplified English while retaining a smattering of original Shakespearean language where appropriate, to ensure its appeal and accessibility to children ranging in age from three to twelve years old.

'It will not be complex. Young children will be engaged by the spectacle of the performance while older children (up to Year 7) will delight in the humour and storyline,' Mr Ketton said. 

'Add to this, colourful costumes, simple sets and a charming musical score performed live on stage, and I think we have all the ingredients for a truly magical show.'

This interdisciplinary extravaganza will feature a cast of over fifty drawn from USQ's first-year Bachelor of Creative Arts students combining music and theatre disciplines.

'USQ has a strong reputation as a leader in children's theatre in Toowoomba.  There are literally generations of families who have all enjoyed their first theatre experience in USQ's Arts Theatre.'

The nine-day season of A Midsummer Night's Dream will run from 30 May-7 June in the USQ Arts Theatre with weekday performances at 10am and 1pm and a 6pm performance on Saturday 31 May and 7 June and a 3pm matinee on Sunday 1 June. Contact the USQ Artsworx Box Office for bookings and enquiries 07 4631 1111.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977