A blast of creativity
Tim Bray describes the Operating Theatre Trust’s productions as a “blast of creativity” that enters the lives of children and opens a window to new possibilities.
The trust, established in 1993, runs Tim Bray Productions, which takes professional theatre to venues throughout the region.
Many in the audience are from decile one schools and have never imagined such entertainment.
“We give them the whole experience. The lights go down, the curtain goes up. It’s magic,” he says.
“I often wonder what it might do to those kids, a blast of creativity for an hour, but parents tell me that a year later they’re still singing the songs, still telling the jokes.”
The Operating Theatre Trust’s mission is to encourage the love of live theatre in children. It uses New Zealand stories, and the best international children’s plays, to help develop young imaginations.
Funding from ASB Community Trust, Creative New Zealand and Lotteries has allowed the troupe to double its productions to six this year, touring plays around greater Auckland.
Part of the funding also helps children from low decile schools join in the fun with free tickets.
This year the ‘Full House’ sign went up at every session of its 43rd production – Roald Dahl’s The Twits.
The Owl and the Pussycat runs through July and Margaret Mahy’s The Dragon of an Ordinary Family opens at the end of September.
“The plays are all based on our rich literary heritage,” Tim says.
“Each show is different and targets a different age group, but we’re also aware that this may be the only theatre the parents come to.
“We aim to make it a memorable experience for the whole audience.”