WHITE & RAIN to Play Arts Centre Melbourne

Families with babies and young children now have the chance to experience two beautiful, immersive first-time theatre experiences at Arts Centre Melbourne in March and April. Acclaimed Scottish theatre company Catherine Wheels will welcome children aged between two and four to the beautifully strange world of White from 5 -11 March. Then in April grown-ups and babies will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Rain, a tactile and musical performance installation responding to the experience of rain.

White is a world filled with white birds and beautiful birdsong. It gleams, dazzles and shines in the night. There is a clearing in the woods where two friends look after the birds and make sure their eggs stay safe. We watch, we help. The world is bright, ordered and white. But high up in the trees, all is not white. Colour appears - first red... then yellow... then blue...
White, the 35 minute production by Andy Manley, is a playful, highly visual show specifically designed for two to four-year-olds and is a perfect first time theatre experience. The internationally renowned company Catherine Wheels has toured the globe and received multiple awards and nominations including two Drama Desk Award nominations for Unique Theatrical Experience and a Helpmann Award nomination.

Rain, developed through the ArtPlay New Ideas Program, is an intimate first time arts experience for babies and their parents. Adults and bubs are immersed in an installation space full of surprise, delight and opportunities for connection through music, touch and performance. This work has been created for babies and crawlers only.

Arts Centre Melbourne Program Manager, Participation, Family and Youth Programs, Emer Harrington said first time theatre experiences encouraged a love of the arts and helped develop imagination.

"When children experience high-quality arts, it helps them to develop not only their own artistic skills and cultural understanding, but also encourages the development of their talents in other aspects of their lives, '' Ms Harrington said.

"A growing body of Australian and international research demonstrates wellbeing and creativity are interconnected. Artists and audiences are united by the need for imaginative experiences and art experiences provide a catalyst for the imagination."

"They can transport us to new places, present us with different perspectives and deliver exciting adventures."

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