Mission Statement
Bringing Children to Music Through Stories
There is a moment toward the end of “How the Gimquat Found Her Song” when nothing happens. The orchestra isn’t playing, the actors aren’t moving and no one is speaking. Gimquat, the forlorn bird of the title, is crying softly. In a few moments the orchestra will begin “Le Jardin Férique” from Ravel’s “Mother Goose” and the action and the music will build towards the dramatic conclusion of the program but at this point… nothing happens. It has always amazed me how quiet the audience is. The children have been sitting for nearly an hour listening to symphonic music and yet one could hear a pin drop.
This moment underscores one of the two principles that guide Platypus Theatre’s programs: tell the audience a good story. Anyone who has spent time with children knows how hours can be wiled away reading books or even telling stories made up on the spot. The stories don’t need a lot of plot or action; the books don’t need flaps or textured panels; children can listen endlessly to the simplest stories and even to the same story told over and over again.
The second guiding principle of Platypus programs — which is the first in importance — is to keep the orchestra and the music at the center of the action. Symphony concerts are, after all, just that — concerts. The orchestra isn’t a backup band, playing second fiddle to what the actors are doing. The concert is about the music and the focus needs to be on the orchestra.
The commitment Platypus Theatre makes in every production is to bring these two guiding principals together without compromising one for the other: the story must engage at all times and the music mustn’t become secondary to the story. In all Platypus shows the story is about the music. The music is an integral part of the dramatic flow. In “How the Gimquat Found Her Song”, for instance, the crux of the story is, not surprisingly, Gimquat’s need to find her song. Each piece of music played is not only beautiful in and of itself, but it is part of Gimquat’s search and has the potential to be the solution to her dilemma. Music is what moves the action forward. The result is that the children’s interest never waivers since they are emotionally “on the edge of their seats” with each piece played.
Of course the music is more than that too. The music and the story are woven together to create a complete experience for the audience. The music is used in a variety of ways; creating mood, exploring the musical themes of the concert and involving the audience in singing, chanting, playing musical games and even playing instruments.
Using a story to bring focus to the music also allows for the playing of a wide range of repertoire. In the same way that children will listen with rapt attention to the quietest story, one doesn’t need jolly, boisterous, fast-paced music to keep their attention. As long as children are engaged in what is happening on the stage they will listen attentively to the quietest music or even to the simple sound of a bird crying.
Peter Duschenes, Artistic Director
