The Playwrights Database
EVA DI CESARE
Nationality: Australian
email: n/a Website: n/a
Literary Agent: n/a
EVA DE CESARE graduated from Victorian College of the Arts in 1989 and is one of the founding members of Monkey Baa Theatre Company. Most recently she directed the companys production of Randa Abdel-Fattahs Where the Streets Had a Name and Jackie French and Bruce Whatleys Diary of A Wombat, which toured to 59 venues throughout Australia and was invited to showcase in Philadelphia, USA, at the International Performing Arts for Youth Conference (IPAY). Eva co-adapted the Sydney Theatre Award-winning play of Li Cunxins The Peasant Prince, the Helpmann Award-winning plays of Jackie Frenchs Hitlers Daughter and Sonya Hartnetts Thursdays Child, Tim Wintons The Bugalugs Bum Thief, Morris Gleitzmans Worry Warts, Gillian Rubinsteins The Fairys Wings, Stephen Michael Kings Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat, Susanne Gervays I Am Jack, Elizabeth Fenshams Goodbye Jamie Boyd, Duncan Balls Emily Eyefinger, Jackie French and Bruce Whatleys Pete the Sheep and Jackie Frenchs Josephine Wants to Dance. Evas acting credits include The Bugalugs Bum Thief, Worry Warts and The Fairys Wings for Monkey Baa; the world premiere of Disarming Rosetta (Hothouse Theatre 2011), written by Rosalba Clemente and directed by Tom Healey; Una Festa di Nozze (Doppio Teatro, Adelaide Festival and Singapore Festival 1996); Emma and Love and Magic in Mammas Kitchen (Belvoir St 1995/1991); Ricordi (Doppio Teatro and Melbourne Festival 1990); A Play on Worlds (Kings Bloody Cross Theatre 1990) and Five Times Dizzy (Theatre South 1999). She has also played a leading role and was musical director for Theatre Souths Italian Stories. Film and TV credits include All Saints, GP, A Country Practice, Bony, Police Rescue, English at Work and Last Days of Chez Nous. In 2013 Eva developed and facilitated the Discover the StageDigital Drama Workshops for the Sydney Opera House with Tim McGarry. They also co-wrote and directed the 2013 Opera House Babies Proms Series and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (with Sandra Eldridge) for CDP Theatre Producers and Simon Tedeschi Pianist and Prankster for Monkey Baa. Eva is currently co-writing Possum Magic, based on the wonderful picture book by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas.
Research: https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/1359
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below is a list of Eva Di Cesare's plays - click on a Play Title for more information
Bugalugs Bum Thief, The Diary of a Wombat Emily Eyefinger Fairy's Wings, The Goodbye Jamie Boyd Hitler's Daughter I Am Jack Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat Morris Gleitzman's Worry Warts Peasant Prince, The Pete the Sheep Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Sprung Thursday's Child Unknown Soldier, The Where the Streets Had A Name Worry WartsBugalugs Bum Thief, The
Synopsis:
The Bugalugs Bum Thief tells the hysterical story of the country town of Bugalugs where, one morning, the inhabitants wake up to discover their buttocks are missing! 496 bums missing without a trace! Stolen with a pair of salad tongs! Who is the Bugalugs Bum Thief? Our bumless hero, Skeeta Anderson, with the help of his good mates Mick Misery and Billy Marbles, sets out on his journey to discover the culprit of the crime.
Notes:
from Tim Winton's novel
1st Produced:
Glen Street Theatre, Frenchs Forest, NSW
21 Jun 1905
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/100032
Top of PageDiary of a Wombat
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
adapted by by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry from book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
1st Produced:
Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, NSW
21 Mar 2017
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
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Genre:
adaptation TYA
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/133616
Top of PageEmily Eyefinger
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
adapted by by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry from book by Duncan Ball
1st Produced:
Casula Powerhouse, Casula, NSW
06 Aug 2013
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation TYA
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/104363
Top of PageFairy's Wings, The
Synopsis:
The Fairy's Wings tells the magical story of Mabby, a fairy who loses her wings. They are special wings with special powers and without them Mabby can't get to the full moon dance - heck she can't even get to the end of the garden. Meanwhile a little girl called Tania, whilst making a special fairy garden, discovers a pair of wings. Maybe they are fairy's wings? Her brother Troy is sceptical, "Fairies DON'T EXIST!!" Whilst Tania and Troy argue over the wings, Mabby has troubles of her own. A fairy is not a fairy without her wings. So what is she? And where did her powers go?
Notes:
adaptated from the novel by Gillian Rubinstein by Tim McGarry, Sandie Eldridge And Eva Di Cesare
1st Produced:
Black Box, Melbourne, VIC
2000
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/100033
Top of PageGoodbye Jamie Boyd
Synopsis:
Monkey Baa Theatre's adaptation of Stephen Michael King's book about a shoemaker who longs to show her true talents and two vagabonds in need of new boots. For children aged 3 - 8.
Notes:
adapted by by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry from book by Elizabthe Fensham
1st Produced:
Studio Underground, Perth, WA
15 May 2012
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation TYA
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/104384
Top of PageHitler's Daughter
Did Hitler's daughter exist? Four country children waiting in the rain for the school bus take turns telling stories. In an unusual twist, anna's story takes the children to Nazi Germany. an intriguing tale about Heidi, a young girl caught in the turmoil of World War II, whose Father was one of the most dreaded men in history. One of the children, Mark, becomes engrossed in Heidi's story. In his conversations with his friends, his teacher and with his parents, he explores the moral and ethical issues it raises. This intriguing play poses powerful questions about a frightening period in history and forces us to examine moral issues in relation to society's fears and prejudices in a fresh, compelling light.
Notes:
adaptated from the novel by Jackie French by Monkey Baa A dynamic And professional theatre company, started in 1997 by A trio of Actors, Tim McGarry, Sandie Eldridge And Eva Di Cesare
1st Produced:
George Fairfax Studio, The Arts Centre, Melbourne
2006
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People
1st Published:
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 2 Other: voice over; doubling
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/74567
Top of PageI Am Jack
Synopsis:
Jack is smart and funny and eleven years old. Jack is also being bullied and needs help. Unfortunately, Jack's mother is too wrapped up in herself to see this and Jack's teacher, Mr. Angelou, is too busy to pay attention to the warning signs. But little does Jack know that help is close at hand. This excellent one man show explores the taunting and teasing that bullies are so adept at inflicting on their victims and shows young people that they can win against bullying. Jack takes his audience on a touching and sometimes comical journey as he moves from victim to victor.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Moama Bowling Club, Moama, NSW
11 Aug 2008
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/77442
Top of PageMilli, Jack and the Dancing Cat
Synopsis:
Monkey Baa Theatre's adaptation of Stephen Michael King's book about a shoemaker who longs to show her true talents and two vagabonds in need of new boots. For children aged 3 - 8.
Notes:
adapted by by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry
1st Produced:
Casula Powerhouse, Casula, NSW
08 Oct 2008
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation TYA
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/82481
Top of PageMorris Gleitzman's Worry Warts
Synopsis:
Monkey Baa developed one of my books into a cracker of a play, and as I travel around the country more than two years later, I'm still meeting kids in far flung areas for whom it was the theatrical experience of their lives. - Morris Gleitzman. Worry Warts tells the story of 11 year old Keith Shipley and his attempts to cheer up his "misery guts" parents. Keith paints his parents' car "hot sunflower and tropical parrot" to cheer them up. Then he discovers what's really making his parents miserable - their lack of money. So Keith decides to take matters into his own hands.
Notes:
written by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry
1st Produced:
Matt Dann Cultural Centre In Port Hedland
01 Apr 2003
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Playlab Press, Australia
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
short comedy drama
Parts:
Male: 13 Female: 7 Other: doubling possible
Further Reference:
-
Top of PagePeasant Prince, The
Li, a 10-year-old boy, is plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the big city. He leaves everything and everyone he loves, including his family. Over years of gruelling training, he transforms from an impoverished peasant to a giant of the international dance scene. What does he find along the way?
Notes:
This extraordinary play for young people is an adaptation of Li Cunxins picture book The Peasant Prince - the true story of Maos Last Dancer. Adapted by Monkey Baa, Australias leading theatre company for young audiences, The Peasant Prince has toured nationally, performing to tens of thousands of young people and their families throughout rural and regional Australia. The production was awarded Most Outstanding Production for Children (the Glugs), Best Production for Children (Sydney Theatre Awards) and a Drovers Award for Best Touring Production (Australian Performing Arts and Producers Awards).
1st Produced:
Darling Quarter Theatre, Sydney, NSW
09 Apr 2016
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People
1st Published:
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation
Parts:
Male: 14 Female: 6 Other: doubling possible
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/119773
Top of PagePete the Sheep
Shaun the Shearer just wants to give smokin' haircuts to sheep; it's his calling. Unfortunately the other shearers on the station don't like Shaun's new-fangled ways he even has a sheep-sheep instead of a sheep-dog! Cast from his shearing role, Shaun and his partner Pete the Sheep set up their own creative hair salon in town. Before long word is out and all the sheep in town are down for a do, and maybe even the big boys too!
Notes:
Adapted by the team at Monkey Baa from the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, Pete the Sheep is a lively and mischievous award-winning musical about individual expression, for young and old.
1st Produced:
Darling Quarter Theatre, Sydney, NSW
29 Mar 2014
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People
1st Published:
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
full length comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: doubling Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/105743
Top of PageSnugglepot and Cuddlepie
Synopsis:
May Gibbs quintessentially Australian classics have fascinated and delighted generations of children and families, introducing them to the wonder and magic of the Australian bush. In this new adaptation for children aged 5-10, and their families, these iconic tales of SNUGGLEPOT AND CUDDLEPIE come alive on stage for contemporary audiences.
Notes:
written by Eva Di Cesare and Tim McGarry
1st Produced:
Darling Quarter Theatre, Sydney, NSW
17 Jun 2015
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
TYA
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/108296
Top of PageSprung
Synopsis:
Fergus Kipper has one dream, to be the proud owner of that gleaming piece of chrome, The Trail Blazer! It practically winks at him from the window of Mr Spoke's Cycle World. Fergus is desperate! But at $299.95 he is totally dependent on his mum and dad to make that impossible dream come true. His birthday looms closer. His hopes grow higher. But staying out of trouble for one whole week? Life as a kid can be so tempting, too tempting, particularly when your best friend is Morris O'Toole!
Notes:
adapted from the novel by Andrew Daddo by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge, Tim McGarry
1st Produced:
IMB Theatre, Wollongong, NSW
06 Oct 2004
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/60566
Top of PageThursday's Child
Thursday's Child is Tin, born on a Thursday and like the old nursery rhyme, has far to go. a strange and lonely child who digs, his wanderings take him underneath the earth into the subterranean tunnels that he's pre-destined to roam. Told by his sister Harper Flute, it is a story of an Australian farming family's strength as they battle their way through the great depression of the 1930's. a surreal and epic piece of theatre that explores the themes of memory, fate, family camaraderie and the spirit of determination in a time of great change. Thursday's Child is an engaging and deeply moving story that captures the heart and imagination.
Notes:
adapted from the novel by Sonya Hartnett by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge, Tim McGarry
1st Produced:
Seymour Centre, Sydney
15 May 2009
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: doubling necessary
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/84349
Top of PageUnknown Soldier, The
Synopsis:
Monkey Baa is proud to present The Unknown Soldier. Through extensive research, our creative team has created a new play exploring the themes around the Unknown Soldier; who is he and what does he represent to young Australians today? Set on the battle fields of WW1 and in twenty first century Australia, the play follows the dual journeys of a 16 year old soldier fighting for King and Country, and an 11 year old boy who questions how one can simply just disappear.
Notes:
written by Eva Di Cesare and Tim McGarry
1st Produced:
Darling Quarter Theatre, Sydney, NSW
18 May 2015
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
TYA
Parts:
Male: - Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/108298
Top of PageWhere the Streets Had A Name
Thirteen-year-old Hayaat and her family spend their days dodging curfews, trying to buy a weeks groceries before the sirens blare, remembering their home among the olive groves before it was taken from them. But when the curfew breaks and her beloved grandmother Sitti Zeynab is taken to hospital, Hayaat sets out on a mission to retrieve a jarful of soil from the familys old farm so she can grant Sittis last wish of touching the soil of her homeland once more. All Hayaat and her friend Samy have to do is cross the hated wall that divides the West Bank and traverse the most dangerous patch of land on earth.
Notes:
Eva Di Cesare has adapted Randa Abdel-Fattahs book into a daring adventure of freedom and friendship, exile and courage, family and love.
1st Produced:
Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
30 Aug 2017
Organisations:
Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People
1st Published:
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageWorry Warts
Synopsis:
What does a kid do when his mum and dad are worry warts? Make them rich, decides Keith. Can his adventure-packed trip to the opal fields save them all from spending the rest of their life as worry warts?
Notes:
from Morris Gleitzman's novel
1st Produced:
Earl Arts Centre, Launceston, TAS
07 Apr 2003
Organisations:
Theatre North
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
adaptation
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/31866
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