The Book of Everything

Overview

Adapted for the stage from the novel by Guus Kuijer, The Book of Everything takes place in Amsterdam in 1951 - with the trauma of WWII German occupation still clearly evident - and centres around the life of an open hearted 'little hero' Thomas Klopper.

The 9-nearly-ten-year-old (played by 33-year-old Matthew Whittet) writes down the things he sees that nobody else notices, discovers the joy of reading, composes his first love letter, makes friends with Jesus and embarks on his first forays into questioning authority - in particular that of the father and the Father.

Marking the first collaboration in three decades between Neil Armfield's Company B and Kim Karpenter's Theatre of the Image, this new children's production raises several pertinent questions about bravery, fear, family and faith - with the critique of modern Christianity best achieved by the discrepancy between the funny, forgiving and open Christ who befriends Thomas, and the humourless, terrifying and dogmatic religious teachings the young boy's father imposes on him.

The simple set design, live sound effects and playful choreography all work well, and a standout performance from Julie Forsyth as the eccentric neighbourhood witch Mrs Amersfoort injects the production with some very funny moments.

But one is left with the feeling that E. B. White's words "anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his time; you have to write up, not down," could have been better applied here. While dealing intelligently with some big ideas, The Book of Everything looses impact by crossing into the realms of cliché and caricature a little too often.

Photo by Heidrun Lohr