By Noni Kuhner
It feels as though everything is coming apart. War, environmental issues, and the cost of living all take a noticeable toll on us adults. But it’s easy to forget how they impact our young ones. The Girl Who Glows, a local production by director Jo Turner and the band Zeeko, aims to bring what children think and feel to the stage in a fun and colourful way.
Jess Green is a member of Zeeko, and she says that while climate change and the environment are critical themes of the play, that’s only a part of what the production is about.
“I mean, we aren’t explicit that this show’s about climate change… it could really be about any big global issue that’s giving concern to someone,” she explains. “But we are thinking about agency for children. In the last 10-20 years, seeing not only natural but economic climate change so much for young people, they’re paying the price for previous generations.”
She goes on to emphasise that while they aim to empower the younger audience members, the message is also a rallying cry for those older to get themselves into gear and make a difference.
“We’re well beyond telling children about climate change,” Green says. “It’s the adults that need to act. So, I hope that it starts conversations [between adults and children] and helps people reengage and think about how can they act to make change.”
But the production isn’t just about heavy concepts and generational conversation about the significant issues; it’s also a whole lot of fun, and not just for those in the audience. Looking at the array of sounds, lights, puppetry, and music, it seems there’s good reason why Zeeko’s bio reads: They are grown-ups but don’t always act like it.
The story of Luna, the titular girl who glows, powerfully demonstrates that ethos, balancing her whimsical power of phosphorescent light with the worries of growing up and wanting to be accepted. Green explains that Luna is a character the audience is welcome to see themselves in.
“She’s ambiguous in age, but I think of her being between eight and 11,” she explains. “I can’t help about my daughter when playing her; [she’s] eleven as well. And Luna’s got this special thing about her: she glows; she emanates this light from her skin, which she finds rather embarrassing as it often appears at inappropriate times. Luna wants to know more about that and why that happens to her.”
The worries start to creep further in.
“Something’s happening in the world that isn’t quite right, and she’s noticing it’s getting darker. She can tell because her glow starts to become more apparent, and the light in the world is getting less and less.
“She’s asking a lot of grown-ups the answer to why this is happening, and there’s a lot of head-in-the-sand situation going on… So she meets a rapping platypus who tells her how it really is!”
An array of other furry, feathered, and finned friends are also featured, with the wonder and whimsy of Australia’s natural environment well and truly on show alongside a specially composed musical experience.
“There are pre-recorded soundscapes,” Green says. “Then the three of us are playing pretty standard pop band instruments: keyboards and synth, some electric guitar and drums. But we have spent a lot of time making this band completely movable.
“We are all totally wireless, and that’s pretty exciting,” Green explains. “I’ve brought my pop aesthetic… David [Hewitt, also from Zeeko] has done much of the composing and has brought a pretty fantastic stage show musical style as well.”
But what has her most excited?
“I have never worked in puppetry, so it is super exciting for me,” she exclaims, clearly delighted. “As a child growing up with Sesame Street and all the Jim Henson content, I can’t even tell you the thrill!
“I think there’s something fascinating about bringing something so tactile to children’s audiences,” Green continues. “There’s a lot of beautiful children’s content that’s digitally made, but these puppets… it looks like you could make it yourself and play around at home.”
And if there’s anything that sums up the aim of the play, that seems to be it: don’t ignore your inner child’s light and curiosity.
“We’re hoping that when they see three much older adults being silly and playing around on stage, they realise… play is lifelong,” Green explains.
“That will be a fantastic takeaway.”
The Girl Who Glows will play at the Street Theatre from Thursday, 18 July – Sunday, 21 July. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children, with group discounts available. Details and tickets available at thestreet.org.au
