08 April 2024
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Wonka Podia brings youth theatre to dozens of schoolyards in Eindhoven and region
Wonka Podia - an intensive partnership between six venues in Eindhoven and the region - brings theatre to primary schools in Eindhoven, Helmond, Veldhoven, Valkenswaard and Bergeijk for nine weeks. During that period, Youth Theatre Wildpark will perform the play 'The mechanic and the girl' at dozens of school playgrounds. And that no less than fifty-five times for about 330 classes (groups 5 and 6) of around 100 primary schools. A gigantic educational theatre project as a gift to the region.
Wonka on Tour
Getting as many children as possible in touch with theatre and giving them a fantastic experience. With this in mind, the six cooperating venues (Parktheater, Schalm, Hofnar, Kattendans, Speelhuis and Cacaofabriek) put their proverbial heads together. Lowering theatre thresholds so that more people can participate. That is their mission. Children receive special attention. After all, they are the theatre-goers of the future. Theatre moves, relaxes, makes you think, confronts and teaches you to see things differently. They grant this to every child. As transport is often a barrier, the idea of Wonka on Tour was born. Bringing theatre to schools and children on location.
Mechanic and the Girl
For this first edition of Wonka on Tour, Youth Theatre Wildpark joined in. In cooperation with Luka Kooijmans, this company created the imaginative outdoor performance The Mechanic and the Girl. A theatre performance with live music inspired by the silver-griffel-winning book: The Happy Island by M. Törnqvist. About the quest of a brave girl, who is looking for the island of happiness.
Logistical puzzle
Over the past few months, the gigantic logistical puzzle of which group of children was laid out where, when and with whom. The culture coaches of the five municipalities were of course involved in this. Among other things, they took care of invitations to and communication with the schools. The performance has now been performed 55 times in school playgrounds in the five municipalities. In addition, all participating schools receive a teaching pack to work with the (themes of the) performance in their groups.
Inclusive
Involving all children wherever possible. Also children and schools for whom going to a performance is more difficult because of a physical or mental disability or a higher sensitivity to stimuli. The venues are particularly pleased that schools with special education have also responded enthusiastically and are participating. And that these children, like more than six thousand other children from the region, are being given the gift of a theatre outing on their own - or someone else's - schoolyard.
District performances
Final preparations are currently being made to launch the tour on Monday 8 May. The school performances will last until Friday 7 July. In the following week, The Mechanic and the Girl will play one more time in each borough at an outdoor public venue. Any child (or adult) is cordially invited to come and see the performance then. More information about the playing location, date and time can be found at and through the Wonka Podia.
Wildpark, the culture coaches and the Wonka Podia are incredibly looking forward to giving the Brainport region this cultural gift to give children theatre!
