By EMILY IANNELLO
ONE OF the most loved characters in Australian literature, Mr Percival, will be landing on GPAC’s stage this month.
The classic Australian tale of a boy and pelican, Storm Boy, will come to life on stage for a whole new generation to experience.
Colin Thiele’s story will be presented as a theatrical version and explores the relationships between Storm Boy and his father, pelican and Aboriginal friend Fingerbone.
The play follows Storm Boy as he roams the beautiful, savage landscape of wave-beaten shores and saves three chicks after their pelican mother is shot.
Tom Holloway has adapted the tale to stage in a co-production by Sydney Theatre Company with Perth’s Barking Gecko Theatre Company.
Director John Sheedy said audiences will experience “an ancient form of storytelling” and an “almost Dreamtime story approach”.
“Tom has brought all of these elements to the stage. I have admired his work for many years and in this collaboration the very spirit of the story is stunningly ignited,” Sheedy said.
The title role will be performed by two young actors Kai Lewins and Otis Pavlovic. Storm Boy’s father, Hideaway Tom, will be played by Julian Garner and joining the cast as Fingerbone Bill is Jimi Bani.
An illustrated version of the book was first published in 1964 and featured paintings by Geelong’s own Robert Ingpen, one of Australia’s most prolific and successful illustrators.
Ingpen worked closely with Thiele developing the setting and environmental themes.
Over 10 years later, the award-winning book was turned into a film and became known as an Australian classic.
The stage version of Storm Boy ensures the story will continue to enthral both children and adults.
Sheedy said his vision is to “introduce this classic Australian story to a new generation” and for people to fall in love with the story all over again.
Performances held at the Playhouse Theatre at GPAC from 27 to 30 May.
