Wellingtonian youngsters get ready for Downstage

Media Release: 19th July

Wellingtonian youngsters get ready for their first visit to Downstage Theatre

The latest play from Capital E National Theatre for Children, End Game premieres at Downstage Theatre on 31 July and explores an online world that many of us, children and adults alike will relate to.

End Game’s writers Rachel Callinan and Kate Morris were dedicated to creating a fantasy adventure for a modern day audience. “Many popular stories involve characters being transported into a completely different world, like Narnia. With so many people having access to computers and an online environment we decided this was a perfect way to tell the story.“ They are looking forward to seeing a play for young people make its first appearance at one of Wellington’s most prestigious theatres. 'It is an immense privilege not only to be opening the national tour on home turf, but also to be debuting at Downstage. We're looking forward to giving the audience a funny, smart and entertaining ride. Our wish would be to give young people that ‘wow’ moment that will get them hooked on the magic of theatre for a lifetime.’’

The play follows a twist of fate when Alex is transported into the mysterious and thrilling world of his favourite computer game Fable story… just one catch, his mum is coming with him! Alex and his mum do not get along, although they share an interest of spending much of their time online; Alex loves gaming, and Rosie invents her social life through facebook. The adventure begins when they are thrown together and must attempt to put aside their differences and adorn computer character identities to complete each level of this fantastical place where anything is possible. Every turn presents a new challenge, from outwitting mythical creatures to crossing boggy marshes.

Capital E National Theatre for Children’s General Manager, Stephen Blackburn explains that 8 - 14 year-olds are one of the most demanding audiences around. “Creating work for this age is a privilege and also a challenge, they demand and deserve the best; for that reason we have put together a fantastic team behind End Game with some of the most talented professionals in the industry. As a company we enjoy the challenge of striving to create original and inventive theatre for young audiences.”

Directed by Leo Gene Peters, Chapman Tripp Best Director 2009, with an inventive staging by Brian King, the world of the computer translates to the stage in the form of giant tetrus shaped blocks that light up and are manipulated by the cast as the action unfolds. Perfectly complemented with Gareth Farr’s magical score and the skill of actors Dan Weekes and Amy Tarleton this is a not to be missed production for young people all over Wellington.

When: Sat 31 July 2pm, Sat 7 August 1pm and 4pm
Where: Downstage Theatre

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