Noosa’s newest professional theatre company is set to inspire and awaken the imagination in young people with their first show on 7 and 8 October.
Alice Beaver Clapham had long wanted to start her own theatre company.
She always thought that company would be somewhere in the Americas, like back where she grew up in Southern Appalachia, but a theatre job in Hong Kong changed the trajectory of that dream.
“I am very lucky to have grown up in a family that places high value on the arts,” Alice said.
“I did Odyssey of the Mind for many years. Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition. I always did the Classics category that had students do deep dives into art, literature, and historical events. I also, as many young creatives do, put on a lot of shows for my family and neighbours in the backyard and basement.
“I got serious about theatre while I was in high school. I knew then that was what I wanted to do with my life and that is what I have done.”
About a year and half into her time in Hong Kong, she met the love of her life, who happened to be Australian.
After 15 years in Hong Kong and Singapore making theatre with many companies and creatives, the pandemic prompted a permanent move to Noosa.
“Noosa is such a great place to raise a family,” Alice said. “It’s safe and there’s so much to do. My children are thriving here – there’s a real sense of community.”
“I love the quietness and nature, but also there is a lot going on artistically. You just need to seek it out. I make good use of the Noosa National Forest. I go for trail runs there multiple times a week. I do all my best thinking on the trails.”
Finally, Alice had found the perfect place where she wanted to create a theatre company of her own and the birth of Catbird Theatre Company came about in March of 2023.
The name Catbird comes from two things: One, catbirds live both in the American South and here in Southeast Queensland. And two, there’s a saying in the South, “sitting in the catbird seat” which means you’re in an advantageous position or sitting pretty.
“It’s exciting, stressful and you need great time management skills, but that would be true with any new business,” Alice said, of the process of creating a theatre company.
“I’m definitely most comfortable with all the creative aspects; the administrative side has been more of a challenge. I’m fortunate to have the support of my husband, children, and friends.”
In deciding what show would be Catbird Theatre’s first, Alice went with creating a poetry show.
This was a no brainer, as a poetry show she created in Hong Kong is still touring schools 15 years later. After reading hundreds of poems, she narrowed it down to a gothic theme and ended up with Stark Raven Mad.
The poems in the show are in the public domain or are being performed with the poet’s permission. Stark Raven Mad comprises nearly 40 poems and uses costumes, props, puppets, sounds, and audience interaction to bring the poetry to life.
Poems from Edgar Allan Poe, Heinrich Hoffman, Lewis Carroll, Emily Dickinson, just to name a few.
“This show is so much fun,” she said.
“It is high energy, whimsical, and interactive. It’s a great way to introduce young people to the possibilities of poetry and theatre. But it’s not just for kids, adults will enjoy the show as well.
“Supporting local art is so important as it adds vibrancy and culture to the community. Come see the show, you won’t be disappointed!”
Noosa Today readers have the chance of winning a family pass (4 tickets) for the 3pm show on Saturday 7 October. Entries close Monday 2 October. To enter visit noosatoday.com.au/competitions
SHOW DETAILS:
The show is recommended for people aged 8 and up or guardian discretion.
Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes
Actors: Mary Eggleston, Dan O’Callaghan, and Alice Beaver Clapham
Stage Manager: Kathryn Barnes
Where: The Black Box at the Old Ambo Station in Nambour
When: 7 October at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm and 8 October at 10am and 1pm
For more information visit catbirdtheatre.com
