10 year old Roderick O’Connor is playing the lead role in a new play looking at the aftermath of child abuse.

Nightmare follows the story of 12 year Jimmy and his baby brother Joel. The boys have been removed from their abusive home to live with their unfamiliar Aunt Dala and the landlady Angie. Jimmy’s days are gloomy, but Ole Lukoje, the Sandman, visits him at night and Jimmy can escape into dreams. But when the fantasy starts to seep into reality Ole grows too strong. 

The cast also features a chorus of 10 other children, aged between 8 and 12.

“The process is pretty safe for Roddy and the other kids involved,” says Director Julia Campbell. “Most of the scary stuff is subtextual. Even so, we made sure that the kids understand what has happened to Jimmy and Joel. It’s actually been a great way to open up some discussion around what is safe behaviour with these kids.” 

On the back of Sanctuary (Nominated for Edgiest Show, Nelson Fringe Festival 2015) Sweet Muffin Productions presents Nightmare, A dark and fantastical tale of dreams coming true.

Performed by Deborah Eve Rea, James Locke, Susannah Donovan, Max Steel, Roderick O’Connor and featuring a chorus of Aotearoa’s freshest faced performers (aged 8 – 12).

Newtown Community & Cultural Centre
October 29 and November 5: 6.30pm
October 30 and 31; November 6 and 7: 8pm
Tickets from Eventfinda  

Theatre ,

Thur, Fri, Sat only