Barking Gecko Theatre Company has been an iconic part of West Australian culture for thirty-five years, captivating generations of young people with their performances. Many of us remember watching their shows in school, and now our children are experiencing its magic. CEO Ryan Taafe is thrilled by this legacy. “It excites us when people remember, that’s when you know you’ve had an impact on someone’s childhood.”
Founded as “Acting Out” by Artistic Director John Saunders, the company was a children’s theatre that toured schools and rural areas. Their shows engagingly tackled challenging topics.
In 1989, under Artistic Director Grahame Gavin, the company became an independent, not-for-profit theatre company for young people and their families. It was renamed Barking Gecko, inspired by the West Australian reptile, whose unique way of movement symbolised new perspectives and adaptability.
Over the years, different artistic directors have brought their unique style to the company. They’ve taken on new challenges and toured the country and the world, receiving recognition and awards along the way. They’ve also launched new theatre companies including Awesome Arts and Indigenous theatre group Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre Company. Through it all, they’ve never lost sight of their core purpose to enrich children’s lives. It’s still at the heart of everything they do.
Barking Gecko’s productions offer experiences that inspire, influence and empower kids to be creative. “We encourage complete family connection and gathering when they come to the show,” Taafe says.
The shows also provide platforms for important family conversations to take place. “Theatre for young people deals with hard and difficult topics and provides a new way for kids to communicate about it and understand the world,” he says.
The art of storytelling is complex, and each new generation brings adaptations in how they view the world and communicate within it. It is now vital to explore new ways to deliver messages through performance, considering the increasing influence technology has on our lives.
This is why Barking Gecko continues to thrive. Their secret is remembering who their audience is and considering the digital world they’re living in. When Taafe and his team develop shows, they begin with the question ‘How does the story need to be told?’
One of their standout productions, HOUSE, tells an enchanting story about friendship and belonging. First performed in 2021, it captivated audiences around the country. Returning this year under current Artistic Director Sam Longley, it’s accompanied by a newly released picture book—a first for the company. This transition into literature ensures the story’s legacy will continue and offers new ways to inspire young people. “This is the first time we’ve stepped outside of making performances and commissioned a book to be written by the same creatives who directed, designed and wrote the show,” Taafe says.
From its origins as a touring children’s theatre company, to becoming an internationally recognised company for young people and families, Barking Gecko has remained a leader in Australian Theatre. By continuously exploring creative ways to express important messages they continue inspiring new generations, staying true to their mission of making theatre the highest quality for young audiences and their families.
As a not for profit, Barking Gecko is reliant on the generous contributions of supporters. You can make sure the magic stays alive for our young people by making a tax-deductible donation. Support their Donate $35 for 35 campaign join a Giving Circle through your company or workplace, or leave a gift to Barking Gecko in your will. Please visit the Barking Gecko website for details.
HOUSE opens on 1st November, and the book is available in all good bookstores.