The gritty childhood of one of New Zealand’s most enigmatic political figures is being portrayed on stage by talented east Auckland drama students.
Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT) is this month staging a production of writer Mervyn Thompson’s play Children of the Poor.
Directed by Fiona Bailey, it’s based on the book of the same name and tells the story of the childhood of the late writer, soldier, political activist and Labour Party MP John A Lee.
It’s described as an “emotional tale of poverty and hardship” centred on the formative years of the character Albany Porcello, who was born into destitution in 1900 Dunedin.
The play is being performed by a cast of eight members of HCYT’s Offstage Youth Theatre and is suitable for an audience aged 12 years and older.
Bailey says the story is about the struggles experienced by the central character’s family and how poverty leads to crime.
“It’s very poignant and relevant to today’s society.”
She says Albany’s family is comprised of his solo mother, his sister Rose, and his brother Douglas.
“The family migrated to New Zealand from Scotland and his mother thought it would be the great dawning of a new life, but it didn’t turn out that way.
“It covers Albany’s life from the age of about five years old through to 18.
“It’s got serious subject matter and it’s a tragic story. It is also really hard-hitting.
“The play is an ensemble piece and there’s only eight in the cast so there’s a lot of multi-roles.
“There’s been a big focus on being able to represent a large variety of characters.”
The play’s message is that a person’s circumstances do not dictate where they go in life, Bailey says.
“If you look at John A Lee, this is his life, but he made something of himself.
“So it’s not a decided thing that poverty has to lead to a terrible future.
“It shows the great hardships people went through and it’s also got some very light-hearted moments in it.”
Bailey says the theatre is thankful for the ongoing support of the Howick Local Board.
“We are hugely appreciative to have a local board that is listening to its community and continuing to support arts and culture and the children and youth within our area.”
Children of the Poor is staged at 7.30pm from September 21-23 at Harlequin Musial Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road.
Tickets cost $12. To book, phone 09 537 4943 or email hcyt@xtra.co.nz.
