Imaginary friends make for good theatre

David Burton

Award-winning playwright, David Burton has a long interest in children’s theatre and is passionate about the themes surrounding his latest play.

Captain Pathos and His Army of Imaginary Friends has been commissioned as part of USQ's 2010 Breez Finance Children’s Festival.

Now in its third decade, the annual Festival introduces young audiences to the joys of live theatre and this year promises another exciting theatrical experience for local children.

Filled with adventure, fantasy and humour, Captain Pathos explores the imaginations of children and how they use them to gain a sense of the world around them.

'The imaginary characters in the play are directly related to influences in my own life,' David said.

'The hooligans and mischievous characters draw on the classic comedy characters who I loved as a teenager; the Three Stooges, the Marx Brothers and Lucille Ball.

'As a child I was also into Power Rangers, comic book characters, sci-fi space battles and classic good guys verse bad guys.

'Every game or adventure had an epic storyline: good versus evil, buildings and lives destroyed in seconds, chaos, destruction and humour.

'An afternoon in my childhood backyard was an afternoon spent inside a Hollywood movie!'

David has also taken inspiration from the children around him to ensure the play has appeal and relevance to young audiences.

'Max and Parker who I babysat many times have educated me and inspired me with their enthusiasm and vibrancy of life.'

Performed by an enthusiastic cast of first-year students and incorporating puppets, other-worldly papier-mâché creations, acrobatics and larger-than-life sets, the production will appeal to children aged four and over.

Not only entertaining, the play will also offer an important educational experience, touching on issues of friendship, responsibility and redemption.

'Messages are more powerful when told in a story which kids understand and enjoy – it’s like brussel sprouts hidden in ice cream!'

David has been writing stories for as long as he can remember, published his first short story for his grade three classmates and accepting his first professional commission in 2008, and going on to write a number of acclaimed works including Spirits in Bare Feet for last year’s Breez Finance Children’s Festival.

David is currently lecturing into the USQ School of Creative Arts and is Director of the Empire Youth Theatre.

Captain Pathos and His Army of Imaginary Friends will run from 28 May until 6 June in the USQ Arts Theatre.

Tickets are $13.50 for adults, $7.50 for children and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.

Contact Details:
Michelle Fox, USQ Artsworx, +61 7 4631 1114 or 0439 911 623