Overview
If you’re unfamiliar with Guus Kuijer’s The Book of Everything, here is a quick run down. Thomas is a young boy from post World War II Amsterdam, who has the ability to see things that others cannot. He sees tropical fish in the canals, hailstorms that never were, and even Jesus himself.
Despite the medical elements to the story, the tale is not one of fairies. Domestic violence and loneliness are the underlying themes of the plot, until Thomas meets Mrs Van Amersfoot, the witch from next door. Without wanting to divulge any spoilers, the kindly woman turns out to be a survivor from the Nazi resistance, and helps Thomas turn his life around.
Kuijer’s inspiring story has been adapted for the stage by Silo’s new art directors, Sophie Roberts, who has made Thomas’ diary into a dramatic performance. The show has ventured from New York to London to Sydney, and has finally reached our shores for just a week of performances. Appropriate for the young and the old, Thomas’ story is one that you won’t quickly forget.