Children from thirteen cultural backgrounds yesterday mixed elements of their music, dance and costume into a fascinating adaptation of Frank Baum’s evergreen story of the Wizard of Oz, presented in Revesby Workers Club by the Children’s Festival Organisation.
The production celebrated the 21stAnniversary of the Children’s Festival Organisation and attracted a capacity audience from the local community, cultural groups and important mainstream community organisations.
The children performed in their own cultural costumes with the cast of The Wizard of Oz Interactive Show which has been performed over 5,000 times around the world and has represented Australia at many prestigious festivals including This Is Australia (Shanghai, China), International Wizard of Oz Festival (Indiana, USA), and the International Storytellers Festival (New Delhi, India).
“This production takes our message that children are a starting point in building social cohesion, to another level because the children were performing with others from different cultural backgrounds, as young Australians, alongside a professional theatre troupe”, says Thuat Nguyen OAM, Founder- President of The Children’s Festival Organisation.
“What we saw on the stage yesterday was a bright, clear and colourful image of Australia in 2019 – kids and adult actors coming together blending their cultures and talents to a present a story with international appeal and relevance”, he said.
“The Wizard of Oz is a story about mateship, self-empowerment and a diverse group of people helping each other as they journey together. It embodies the very spirit of the Children’s Festival that seeks to celebrate unity in diversity,” says Brian Laul, Director of The Wizard of Oz Interactive Show.
“Besides having all the ideal elements of fascinating entertainment, it also carries a powerful message of hope so necessary for young people today – that somewhere over the rainbow, you can make your fondest dreams realities if only you dare to believe that you have the power within you to do so”.
The Children’s Festival Organisation will present two more events this year – in Campbelltown at Koshigaya Park on Sunday 25th August from 10.30 am to 4.30pm and in Bankstown at Paul Keating Park from11am to 6pm on Sunday 15th September.
You can find all the details at www.childrensfestival.com.au
