There comes a time when every little bird must leave the safety of its nest and take flight. But how do you know that time is now? And how do you know if you’re ready?
Those questions, and more, are tackled in Two in the Coop, a philosophical comedy for young people about the challenges of growing up and facing the world on your own.
Tessa Mendel, artistic director of Halifax Theatre for Young People, tells us more about the play and about what’s up next for Halifax’s only full-time, professional theatre for young audiences.
Tell us a little about Two in the Coop
Two in the Coop is the story of Brad and Pete – two young birds who must decide how to cope when their mother fails to return to the nest. Through clever banter, bickering and bravado, the playwright explores sibling relationships and power dynamics, and children’s fears around abandonment and growing up. Two in the Coop is both humorous and profound. It tackles sensitive topics with ease and grace, and is quite a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.
What will children like about this play?
Children love the humour, both the witty wordplay and the physical fun when the two baby birds fight. But they also really connect with the themes the play explores – particularly the fears around loss of security and how siblings can be both loving and sometimes mean.
 Why do you think it’s important for children to be exposed to live theatre?
There is something magical about seeing live theatre in a real performance space. The children connect with the characters in a different way because they are right there with them. It expands their imagination, at the same time the collective experience allows for a development of empathetic feeling.
Tell us about the upcoming Two in the Coop tour
We are taking Two in the Coop on HTYP’s first ever mini-tour, to Ship’s Company in Parrsboro and Chester Playhouse this fall! In addition, we were given the opportunity to pitch Two in the Coop to presenters’ from across the country and beyond, at Contact East last week in Charlottetown, and received great interest in touring to the States, as well as other parts of Canada. Since we initially developed Ron Fromstein’s Two in the Coop as part of HTYP’s new play development program, we’re really happy to see it go on and have a further life.
What’s next for Halifax Theatre for Young People?
HTYP has developed to the point that annually we now offer a fall mainstage production, a tour to theatres within the Maritimes, and a spring festival of theatre for families, featuring both an original production and a new theatre for young audiences’ play-development program. Check out our Facebook page to get updates about our spring line-up!
Catch Two in the Coop at Alderney Landing Theatre on
Sept 29 – Oct 2 at 10:30AM
Oct 2 at 7:00PM
Oct 3 at 1:00PM & 4:00PM
Oct 4 at 2:00PM
Tickets: $10/Child, Student, Arts Worker; $12/Adult; $40/Family of Four
Buy online at ticketpro.ca or call the Alderney Landing Box Office at 902-461-8401