USQ sends in the clowns for theatre
AN INTERACTIVE play that encourages children who have experienced difficult circumstances in their life to share their stories and feelings will be held at the USQ Arts Theatre next week.
USQ Doctor of Creative Arts (DCA) student David Steggall and USQ alumna Brianna Smith have spent the past 12 months writing and rehearsing for The Dreams of Bricks.
Mr Steggall, a social worker who has worked in the child protection sector for the past nine years, said the theatre production was part of his DCA research into clowning methodology for child protection practice.
“It (The Dreams of Bricks) is much more than a children’s show,” he said.
“Children’s service workers often use a strategy called the Three Houses Tool, which enables children to provide an assessment of their life and may be presented to parents and families so they can identify the child’s strengths, vulnerabilities and positives in their life.
“We have reconceptualised that tool into a clowning show, but instead of houses we are using bags as a metaphor for things that we hold, like worries, good things, hopes and dreams which are represented by bricks.”
Miss Smith graduated from USQ with a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Theatre) in 2015 and currently works as a youth worker in a PCYC after school care program.
She said the use of clowning and play in The Dreams of Bricks was designed to empower children to speak about their personal experiences.
“In some instances clowns can engage with a child more effectively than an adult, which is important because communication is key when talking about deeper issues,” Miss Smith said.
“Some of the kids who will be in the crowd have been through some challenging family situations, so we’re confident this play will make a positive impact on their lives and have a great effect on parents as well.”
Co-presented by Vulcana Women’s Circus and directed by Andrew Cory, The Dreams of Bricks premieres at the USQ Arts Theatre on July 21. Another two shows will be held on July 22.
For more information, visit www.artsworx.usq.edu.au.
The Dreams of Bricks is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council.
In some instances clowns can engage with a child more effectively than an adult, which is important because communication is key when talking about deeper issues. — Brianna Smith