Australian composer Emma Jayakumar believes you’re never too young to enjoy opera.

That’s why she’s adapted a story by the much-loved children’s author Mem Fox into an opera for all ages.

Jayakumar is a big fan of the heartwarming tale Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, and in this chamber opera multiple performers bring Wilfrid’s story to life with props, puppetry and audience interaction.

The opera – which premiered in July 2021 – is aimed at a younger crowd, and Jayakumar is eager for all the families in the audience to join in and sing along with the actors.

She created Wilfrid Gordon as a potential gateway into the world of opera, and she hopes that her viewers, young and old, will connect with this beautiful art form and find the story emotive, touching and absolutely charming.

Ahead of the work’s 2023 Fringe World season, Seesaw Mag’s Rachel Denham-White had a chat with Emma to find out more.

Rachel Denham-White: For Seesaw Mag readers who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work? 

Emma Jayakumar: I am a Perth-based librettist and composer of classical/art music, and I am particularly passionate about sharing accessible music drama and opera with young audiences.

RDW: Tell us about Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, the show you are presenting at Fringe World 2022.

EJ: Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is an operatic adaptation of the Mem Fox/Julie Vivas picture book of the same name. It’s a story for all ages about a little boy and his friendship with the many residents of the old people’s home he lives next door to.

RDW: What inspired you to make your version of Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge? What is the story behind this adaptation?

EJ: My mum gifted the book, along with Possum Magic, to my eldest son when he was very young. It’s a story I fell in love with when I would read it to him at night before bed.

I’m always collecting stories that I think might make good shows, and this book had all the emotional, funny and heart-tugging scenes that are perfect for opera for young people – perfect to be sung!

RDW: Take us behind the scenes of your show – what happens during the rehearsal process?

EJ: This show involves lots of quick costume changes and improvisation, as we have three performers playing multiple characters. Young and family audiences always keep you on your toes as a performer, because absolutely anything can happen when children are involved! Especially if you include them in the fun and the singing (which we definitely do in this show). 

As for mishaps, we’ve had false teeth props popping out of apples, lost glasses, and young children invading the stage – it’s been hilarious fun!

This is a show designed to show young audiences that opera can be fun, inclusive and not at all a performance where you have to politely sit in the dark and behave! In this show, my son Narayan is joining the cast as one of our Wilfrids, along with the wonderful Dante Pendergrast. Having Narayan in the cast is fitting I feel, as it was his book copy that caught my attention in the first place.

RDW: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge?

EJ: I’d like to think they’ll take away some hummable melodies, a heart-warming message about friendship, and an appreciation of family in all its forms.

RDW: What’s next for you after this? Do you have any big plans?

EJ: I’m writing a song cycle for mezzo Caitlin Hulcup and the Darlington Quartet for their 20th Anniversary gala, and some lovely choral music this year.

RDW: What is your favourite part of the playground?

EJ: Without a doubt the flying fox! The sensation of flying is the best.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge will be performed at the Heath Ledger Theatre Foyer from 24 – 28 January 2023

This article is sponsored content.

Seesaw offers Q&As as part of its suite of advertising and sponsored content options. For more information head to https://www.seesawmag.com.au/contact/advertise