Ben Crowder Photo: Supplied
Theatre director Ben Crowder had never really watched Peter Pan. He’d seen a London production as a child (and admits he was mostly confused) and the 1991 film Hook, which stars Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman. But perhaps that’s a good thing when you’re recreating and reimagining such a well-known and beloved story. As part of his research he watched the 1924 silent version and loved it.
With a live band, flying characters and a real dog, the final show in Auckland Theatre Company’s programme this year, Peter Pan is for both children and adults. The cast includes Jennifer Ludlam, Anika Moa and social media sensation Theo Shakes as Peter Pan and it’s directed by Ben Crowder and adapted by Carl Bland from the story by J.M. Barrie. It currently runs until 3 November.
Together Crowder and Bland are the co-founders of Nightsong Production Company and Crowder is known for his bold and outrageous interpretations.
Born and raised on the Isle of Wight, Crowder’s family spent their time between England and New Zealand. At the age of 16, he was put on a plane and sent to boarding school in Christchurch. A shock to say the least - he was the only student who wasn’t from a farming family.
Crowder eventually found solace in the theatre after sneaking off for an audition during university. Too scared to tell his friends at first, he went on to be part of 25 productions during his time at Otago University. It was while attending the John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne, Crowder honed his interest in directing and taking a leadership role in productions.
Ben Crowder spoke to Culture 101’s Perlina Lau.
