Sanctuary by the Capital E National Theatre for Children

By GILBERT WONG

Kelly lies sick in a hospital bed, an oxygen mask obscures her mouth and the only sound is that of her laboured breathing.

Her life is set in the real world, full of harsh realities and she is played by a puppet.

In contrast, the mythical world her mind takes her to is peopled by living, breathing actors who represent spirit figures.

This is not the only clever reversal of dramatic convention that Sanctuary pulls off, but it shows a commitment to theatre that does not talk down to its young audience.

Sanctuary is a triumph for children's theatre, tackling big issues such as whether the power of the mind can heal a sick body and how our well-being is linked to how well we treat the land.

On the way we are taken on a wonderful journey into the heartland of Aotearoa via magical theatrical effects.

The ailing Kelly has a friend Ted, an amusing teddy bear, animated through skilful puppetry,who tries to help her, but it is Hinepau, Kelly's favourite figure from a storybook who transforms the ward into a world of legend inhabited by three women spirits who guide her through a series of transformations.

Director Peter Wilson enlisted the poet Roma Potiki to adapt a Gavin Bishop story, then added the talents of composer and musician Warren Maxwell, puppeteer Chris Covich and a quintet of talented young actors, Maria Gyde, Olivia Robinson, Selina Alesana, Stephen Tamarapa and Jamie McCaskill, who give real energy and spark.

Ingenious set design sees forests of nikau and totara sprout, a volcano erupts and shimmering seas swamp the hospital ward.

Overhead birds, cleverly constructed from flax and twine, swoop and call over a stage enlivened by charming waiata and a flash of fire poi.

Judging by this production and their other work this year, Capital E is on a roll, producing local and engaging theatre for that most important of audiences, our children.

* Sanctuary runs as part of the Youth Arts Festival at the Auckland Town Hall until August 24. The North Island tour, from Whangarei to Hastings, runs until Septmber 7.