Kim Carpenter’s

Theatre of Image

2010 Program Launch

& Fundraiser

Tuesday 27th October at 6.30pm.

Hosted by Hugo Weaving

Hugo Weaving is hosting a fundraising cocktail party for Theatre of Image – Sydney’s unique theatre company for children – at The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club on Tuesday 27th October at 6.30pm. The evening, led by master of ceremonies, broadcaster and writer, Christopher North, will launch the Theatre of Image 2010 Program.

Bonhams and Goodman’s, auctioneer, James Badgery is presenting the fundraising auction. Amongst the luxury auction items is a dinner for ten prepared in your home by Becasse’s Justin Northand a Hayman Island holiday. In support of the nourishing philosophy cultivated by Theatre of Image, Australian actors have inscribed a personal message in their favourite children’s books, which have been donated by Dymocks Booksellers, Sydney. From ToI ambassadors Hugo Weaving and Miranda Otto we have The Magic Pudding and Snugglepot & Cuddlepie. Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton have picked Struwwelpeter (Shock-Headed Peter) and Winnie The Pooh and Geoffrey Rush has selected the environmental story The Giving Tree.

Artistic Director, Kim Carpenter, will give guests a sneak preview of ToI’s plans and shows for 2010 starting with a much anticipated work, The Book of Everything, opening on 2 January. This co-production with Belvoir St’s Company B was initiated by ToI. The Book of Everythingis adapted from Guus Kuijer’s novel by longtime ToI collaborator, Richard Tulloch, most famous for Bananas in Pyjamas. The story follows the extraordinary adventures of nine year old, Thomas Klopper as he journeys toward his greatest wish, “when I grow up, I’m going to be happy”. The Book of Everything is directed by Neil Armfield, designed by Kim Carpenter and has a cast featuring Julie Forsythe, Dan Wyllie, Peter Carroll, Deborah Kennedy and Matthew Whittet.

Theatre of Imageis Sydney’s unique multi-artform company devoted to producing high-quality theatre and an arts education program that opens the eyes, hearts, minds and imaginations of Australian children and families. TOI performs in major theatres and museums in Australia and overseas collaborating with major performing arts companies in Australia, Canada and Japan.

Co- ambassador, Miranda Otto said “Children are by nature creative. They take a cardboard ring and a piece of fabric and turn themselves into a queen or pick up an old stick to become a pirate fighting on high seas. Their play is theatre in its purest form. In a world that seeks to turn children into a market for consumables it is so wonderful to have company like Theatre of Imagewhose mission is to open a child’s mind and let them wonder and dream. After working with TOI and seeing their shows I am excited and proud to [be] an Ambassador for the company.”

www.theatreofimage.com.au