The annual production of the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MYTP) that goes on tour to schools province-wide this year has been offering a heartwarming play about an unlikely cross-species friendship.
The tale of Tad & Birdy hopes to inspire young audiences to face the fears that may be holding them back, and one of the lead actors loves the message of the story.
“I think it is bravery, not bravery through isolation as in just doing it on your own, but bravery through your friendships,” said Hera Nalam, who plays Tad. “I think it’s really and truly about bravery and friendship.”
The production was brought last week to École Morden Middle School and École Discovery Trails School in Morden Tuesday and Wednesday and then École Elmwood School in Altona Thursday.
Tad, a bird-voiced tree frog tadpole, and Birdy, a lovebird who knows everything except how to be happy, form an unlikely friendship.
As Tad emerges into the world, they find themselves in a messy bedroom, where Birdy has been living for much longer. Birdy has no hope or interest in the world beyond their window, but the optimistic Tad eventually breaks through Birdy’s resistance.
Through the ups and downs of their friendship, they grow to appreciate each other and inspire one another to venture beyond the limitations placed on them, both real and perceived.
“One of the things I really love about this show is how it is about friendship,” said Halam.
“They sort out their differences, and they learn a thing or two from each other. Their friendship grows,” she said, noting how Tad turning into a frog can provide some inspiration for kids. “And that growth also encourages Birdy to also embrace change and overcome their fears.
“They become really good friends, and I think that is a really good lesson to share in today’s world,” suggested Nalam. “With the times today, I think it’s really important to lean into each other and get through difficult times and rely on our friendships and connections and overcome our fears.”
Tad & Birdy was developed through MTYP’s Sandbox creator’s unit.
“Tad & Birdy actually originated from a writing exercise that Pablo Felices-Luna gave me and the other creators in MTYP’s Sandbox a few years ago,” noted playwright Anika Dowsett. ”He had each of us randomly draw a children’s song from a hat and then pitch a show inspired by the music. My song was about tadpoles and I immediately saw this little tadpole in a jar asking a bird about life.”
This is the second time Halam has worked with the MTYP, having previously been part of another touring production several years ago, and she has also been involved in other capacities. She sees it as a rewarding opportunity.
“One of my favourite things about being able to work at MTYP is because I get to visit schools and meet all of these lovely students who are just eager and excited to see theatre,” she said. “And especially in the smaller towns, it’s really lovely to share stories with them.”
“It’s very special to be part of it,” Halam added, calling it a good opportunity to expose them to theatre, which is not something a lot of kids would necessarily have a chance to experience otherwise.
As for the tour, it is nearing the end after having started in early February following the show’s run on MTYP’s main stage. By the time it wraps up May 1, it is expected to have reached audiences of over 20,000 people.
As of last week, they had reached 74 shows, noted Halam.
“It’s been a slow but steady process. I think we locked in the show really well. Me and the crew have become really tight friends … it’s even been a real gift to be getting to know Manitoba. It’s been really lovely.”
