First Margaret River establishes itself as a cultural centre.  There’s no question that events like the Leeuwin Estate concerts have woken people up to the notion that it’s worth travelling to see great events in great settings and now a chance to see a headline act in the open air at a winery is frequent. Then towns like Bridgetown and Boyup Brook achieved greatness with their music festivals.  They might have started them a while back, but there is no denying that lineups and crowds continue to grow more impressive, so that these festivals now claim status alongside events far afield, and the locals smile and drink in the benefits. It’s a measure of this and the quality of organisers that small beginnings continue and towns that might only a couple of years back be overlooked are flexing their muscle.  Capel, for example, is hosting the only South West performance in an upcoming  tour of “The Feather Surfers”, by Barking Gecko theatre company.  It’s an environmental fable targeted to a youth audience, written and directed by Grahame Gavin.

Grahame wrote The Feather Surfers, an introduction to the ecological wonders of the forest, with the invaluable assistance of partners the Department of Environment ensuring script accuracy and reference to local environmental issues.

Feather Surfers live in the canopy of the ancient forests of WA’s South West.
In the morning they lie in wait for the birds to take flight and drop feathers, on which the surfers ride the air currents down to the forest floor. Their journey takes us through the layers of the forest where they chase dragonflies, dance with the fire-tailed finch, are hunted by a feral cat, and battle with a spider.

Live theatre is a hoot, and I confess to having seen some Barking Gecko stuff in the past, and not feeling so grown up that I couldn’t get into it.  The publicity notes that there are thrills and spills galore in this athletic and visually captivating children’s spectacular.

The performance will be on at Erle Scott Reserve (Capel Town Park) in Capel on Thursday March 2.  Things get started at 7pm.  Bring your kids because that’s a great excuse, but expect to have some fun yourself.

Ticketing enquiries through Capel Primary School, 9727 2183 or BOCS ticketing 9484 1133.