Italian actor, technician and director Andrea Buzzetti will perform in two upcoming children's shows with children's theatre company La Baracca - Testoni Ragazzi for Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay's children's festival, Octoburst!, which takes place from Friday to Sunday .
Buzzetti, 35, co-wrote and will perform in Casa, about an encounter between a grown-up and a child; and Spot, a tale revolving around a stage light.
Both shows are suitable for children aged between two and five.
How did you get into theatre?
My first experience of theatre was at 11 years old at a workshop in my secondary school. I met Mr Roberto Frabetti, one of the founders of La Baracca - Testoni Ragazzi then. He taught me a very good general concept of theatre.
In 2001, after my studies, La Baracca asked me to join them and I'm still working with them.
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BOOK IT / CASA
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Where: Esplanade Recital Studio
When: Friday, 2pm; Saturday, 4pm; Sunday, 11am and 4pm
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SPOT
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Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio
When: Friday, 11am and 4pm; Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $20 a ticket or twin package for both shows at $18 each for four tickets
Info: esplanade.com/octoburst
How tough is it to create a show for kids as opposed to adults?
Children are truthful and honest. If they like a performance, they stay and follow you. If they don't like the performance, they stand up and walk away.
What do you do when children cry or fidget a lot during a show?
I will direct my focus on other children in the audience and wait for the earliest opportunity to continue with the show.
What are some of your pre-show rituals?
Before the start of a show, we put our hands on the buttocks of our colleague and we say "s**t" three times.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on stage?
In Austria, in 2005, a father put his child on stage during a performance and he took a picture of us with his child.
Have you ever accidentally used a swear word while performing?
A lot of times. But I'm Italian, so I can salvage the situation by saying a string of other words.
Have there been any technical difficulties during a show?
Yes, during one performance of Spot, Spot (the stage light) itself went off because of an electrical problem. I went behind the curtain and started to cry and said: "Oh my God, Spot has died."
Thankfully, after one minute, Spot came back on and the show was brilliant.
