Family

Ground breaking theatre shines a spotlight on mental health in young people

A fantastic family friendly theatre performance opens this week, just in time for the school holidays.

A timely and beautiful new theatre show, Claire Della and the Moon, will bring the topics of mental health, depression and anxiety in young people to the stage when it opens in September.

The captivating and tender production uses puppetry, music, visuals and poetic storytelling to open up honest and positive conversations as audiences discover the brave world of Claire Della.

At the heart of the play is Claire Della, who just doesn’t fit in. The things that make sense to everyone else don’t seem to make sense to her, and the world is a loud and frightening place. Claire retreats to the safety and quiet of the moon, where there is no one to disappoint. It’s Claire’s journey back home that truly inspires.

The brainchild of two of South Australia’s most versatile emerging artists Ellen Graham and Jamie Hornsby, Claire Della and the Moon is the latest show from Adelaide’s newest theatre company, Madness of Two. The production was developed through the inaugural Hall of Possibility Artist Residence program at Slingsby Theatre Company.

According to Ellen Graham, Claire Della and the Moon is the perfect show for these trying times.

“With everything going on in the world at the moment there isn’t a better time to bring Claire Della’s story to life”, she said.

“We hope that the production can offer some positivity to young audiences and provide a resource to positively manage their mental health, stress and anxiety”.

In addition to an acclaimed creative team including, Shannon Rush (Director), Mark Oakley (Lighting) and Stephanie Fisher (Puppet Design), the play was developed in consultation with Ok Psychology.

For Jamie Hornsby the consultation with Ok Psychology adds an important
dimension to the production.

“We wanted to ensure that the show is authentic and having the expertise of Principal Psychologist, Simon Andrews really ensured that the show is an accurate reflection of both the times and the sensitive ground it covers”, he said.

“The theme of mental health needs to be handled with care and sensitivity. The process for Ellen and I has been one of discovery, learning and one that has instilled us with hope for the future”.

Claire Della and the Moon is presented with the support of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The season will consist of a series of South Australian school and public
performances from 23 September – 4 October 2020 at Parks Theatre, 46 Cowan St, Angle Park, South Australia.

Tickets for Claire Della and the Moon (Ages 7+) are priced at $10 per student for school performances and $20 each for the general public performances.

General tickets can be purchased at: https://www.trybooking.com/BJKLG
School bookings can be made via email at [email protected]

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