,Youth theatre puts on jungle classic

This weekend the Creative Works Youth Theatre will put on an extravagant performance of The Jungle Book, showcasing all the hard work the students have put in throughout the year.

The play is based on Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name, published in 1894, which features multiple fables using animals to tell a moral tale.

The most famous stories revolve around Mowgli, an abandoned “man cub” who is raised by a pack of wolves in the Indian jungle.

Director Paula Wilkinson, who has been running Creative Works Youth Theatre for 14 years, said the students had been working hard throughout the year to put on their best performance ever.

“They’ll come together and make a fantastic show,” she said.

“The Jungle Book is an old-time favourite of mine. My dad was born in India and it was the first story he told us.

“I guess it’s a bit of a tribute to my family.”

The group is made up of more than 30 students from eight local schools, ranging in age from six to 18 years old. They rehearse twice a week, performing a major show each year, with previous performances including The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan.

Ms Wilkinson, who works as a special needs assistant, said drama was a great way to get children out of their shell.

“We make magic happen here,” she said.

“If you put all of them in one school they wouldn’t talk to each other.

“Here, they get on so well.

“It’s very accepting and that’s what you do in drama, accept everyone. You can’t be wrong; it’s your interpretation of the character.”

One year 12 student, Rosie Bogumil, who will play Mowgli, has been a part of Creative Works Youth Theatre for 12 years, joining when she was six years old.

“It’s so fun, you get to transform yourself,” Miss Bogumil said.

“I love my drama family, it’s somewhere you belong. You can be weird and no one judges you.”

Year 12 student Kade Allen has been in the group for three and a half years and will perform as Baloo, his favourite and biggest role yet. He said the group has dramatically improved his confidence.

“When I joined in Year 9, I wasn’t very talkative,” he said.

“After doing this it’s incredible, I have more confidence, even with public speaking.”

On the night junior members of the group will perform a short version of Alice in Wonderland, complete with props and costuming.

The Jungle Book will be performed at Queens Park Theatre tomorrow.

For more information, visit qpt.cgg.wa.gov.au.