Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 9 November 2016 Youthful Show To Re-energise Kipling ClassicThis year Lane Cove Theatre Company reinvigorates the Rudyard Kipling classic children’s story collection The Jungle Book. It has a mostly young cast, and a young director, Bedelia Lowrencev, who is 18.
Directing young people has its challenges, but is not such a stretch for Lowrencev, who is also a drama teacher. “It’s not that long since I was a child, so I can relate.” Lowrencev said, wryly. Several of the traditionally male main roles are played by female actors. For instance, Charlotte Pugh, 10, plays the lead role of Mowgli. “Mowgli is wonderful,” Lowrencev said. “Shere Khan the tiger is also played by a female (Holly Boswell), and Shere Khan is vicious.” |
The Jungle Book
Season Starting: Friday, 18th of November (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: The Performance Space at St Aidan's Anglican Church 1 Christina Street, Longueville 2066 |
“Right from the get-go, regardless of gender, I wanted to get the actor who was right for the role.” Lowrencev said.
Mowgli, a young boy, is raised by wolves in the jungle. As he grows up, it becomes increasingly dangerous for him to remain in the wild, with creatures, such as Shere Khan the tiger, who hates humans, hunting him. Befriended by Baloo the bear (Rodney Stewart) and chaperoned by Bagheera the panther (Madeleine Biddle), Mowgli has many adventures, and eventually finds a place where he belongs.
Lowrencev said The Jungle Book has been a joy to direct. It is her first production with Lane Cove Theatre Company.
“It’s a fun show to do...I love the energy the kids bring.” She said. She added some of the cast had even done extra research on their animal characters, by observing David Attenborough wildlife documentaries. Lowrencev said she wanted to bring something fresh to modern audiences with this show. There are some popular music numbers, from artists such as ABBA, as well as songs from Disney such as The Bare Necessities, that will be well-known to audiences. For Lowrencev The Jungle Book is timeless with its messages to young people. “It’s about discovering where you belong, and standing up to bullies.” She said. “It includes an overall wider view about the trials and tribulations of growing up.” |
Auburn resident Lowrencev hails from an “artsy family”, and made her professional performance debut back in 2011, in Opera Australia’s La Boheme, at the Sydney Opera House. Her father, Shane Lowrencev is a principal with Opera Australia, and her mother, Elizabeth Lowrencev, is a director. Her twin brother, Jeremy, will play the role of Akela the wolf in The Jungle Book.
The Jungle Book plays November 18-December 3, 2016
See the Review of The Jungle Book Here
The Jungle Book plays November 18-December 3, 2016
See the Review of The Jungle Book Here
Performers and Crew
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Bedelia Lowrencev
Ross Mildwater Greg Piper Rachael Ashley Rose Edwards |