"I’ve created these shows to ignite and spark conversations about young people and the adults in their lives." Virag Domby on 'Dear Adults' and 'What's for Dinner?'
Our very own Virag Dombay is a tireless theatre maker with a passion for creating works that enable young people to share their stories in their own words. So it’s no surprise that she has two shows programmed at this year’s Backbone Festival; the returning favourite ‘Dear Adults ...’ and her new show, ‘What’s for Dinner?’
NEHIB caught up with Virag, as well as Isaac Cain from ‘Dear Adults …’ and Tia Godbold from ‘What’s for Dinner?” to get the scoop on each show and why you should check them out during the festival.
Before we get into the shows, Virag tell us about the origin story of your creative practice and what lead to you creating your own shows.
VIRAG: In my youth, theatre and storytelling was always a safe space for me. It was place I which I could jump into other characters shoes and tell their stories, which I still think is one of the greatest gifts live has to offer. However, as I got older and into my teens I felt that I’d grown out of Disney musicals and pantomimes and really struggled to find a play that I could connect to. There are some amazing musicals out there like ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Rent’, which I really enjoyed listening to, but there was no play medium out there that I felt resonated with my thoughts as young person. Certainly nothing that gave me agency.
So, I guess you could say that I made it my mission to write and direct `works which give youth a platform for their voice to be heard. I also extend this mission into my practice at Room to Play Kids, the youth theatre company I run. In a very succinct way, this ‘mission’ is how the creation of ‘Dear Adults…’ and ‘What’s For Dinner’ came about.
Isaac Cain in 'Dear Adults...' photography by Creative Futures
Tell us about the two shows that are playing in this year’s Backbone Festival.
VIRAG: ‘Dear Adults…’ is a product of interviews my co-playwright Harry Fritsch and I did with youth aged 6-18 in our community about things youth wanted to speak to adults about but felt that they didn’t have the agency to. It is a verbatim text performed by youth for adults. This will be it’s third season for 2022, following a SEQ tour supported by the Brisbane City Council in April and a limited season in July earlier this year.
‘What’s For Dinner’, isn’t verbatim however, it is inspired by interviews I did with youth and adults about their experiences at the dinner table and eating together as a family. It’s a gorgeous slice of life that is incredibly witty and funny, but still asks the questions.
Both shows are performed by five youth aged between 8-15.
ISAAC: Dear Adults is a thought provoking and important piece. It sheds light on matters that are not often discussed by children. It explores themes such as divorce, self representation, belonging and self love through the eyes of children. It is a must see in this changing world.
TIA: What’s For Dinner is a comedy show that wants to let adults know what questions you do not ask and the questions you do ask at the dinner table. How it is trying to tell you that us, children want to be heard to and how you get stuck with your busy lives. This show is a comedy show but it is trying to let out an issue that some of us kids can go through.
Who is the perfect audience member for each show? Who is going to love them?
ISAAC: My perfect audience member is someone that gets really invested in the performance to the point that they feel a part of the story. I think this creates a really powerful energy in the theatre. I think Dear Adults… will be loved by anyone with an open mind who is willing to learn and take on the thoughts being expressed. Adults and children alike will love this show.
TIA: The PERFECT audience member for What’s For Dinner is teenagers and tweens because this show is aimed towards them by explaining how children want to be heard. Some of them will agree but some of parents already ask you more questions.
VIRAG: (Giggling) I couldn’t have said it better myself.
The Cast of 'What's For Dinner?' including Playwright/Director Virag Dombay (second from left) and Tia Godbold (third from right).
What can audiences expect from each show?
ISAAC: I would say audiences should expect to walk away [from ‘Dear Adults'] and reflect on their reality. Parents will walk away with a new appreciation and amazement for what children have to say and how closely it reflects what happens in families
TIA: [When they see ‘What’s for Dinner?’] they would have a few laughs, some will relate or agree, and maybe they will go home and have a few discussions with their family.
VIRAG: Both shows are thought-provoking but they also have gorgeous moments of humour, laughter and connection. There are scenes and letters in Dear Adults… that when performed in rehearsals and on stage always gets the waterworks going.
The cast of What’s For Dinner always has my stomach hurting from laughing so much from their meticulous comedic timing. One is drama, one is comedy, but both will ask you deep and profound questions about youth and the idea of being present with each other.
Is there anything else we simply MUST know about each show?
ISAAC: You just really need to know how important the message in [Dear Adults] is.
TIA: [What’s for Dinner?] is a very funny show, but it will make you think about your own dinner times as well! We hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoy performing it!
VIRAG: I’ve created these shows to ignite and spark conversations about young people and the adults in their lives. We hope that you too, will be a part of this conversation
What’s for Dinner?’ and ‘Dear Adults ...’ play as a part of the 2022 Backbone Festival. What’s for Dinner?’ runs from 3-6 November and ‘Dear Adults’ from 10-11 November.
Cover image: The Cast of ‘Dear Adults …’ May 2021. Image by Creative Futures.
