Kate Nelson

A new artist has taken up residence in the NGV’s kids area, Alexander Calder: Workshop for Kids. Alexander Calder was born into a family of artists, creating sculptures at the age of four and having his own studio at the age of eight! He was obsessed with movement and loved to try and capture the movement of the animals he loved to watch at the zoo. He studied art in Paris and is famous for his stunning mobiles – some of which are currently on display at the NGV.

The beautiful use of interactive screens and graphics along with tactile elements mean that the kids will pause and interact… Also as you get towards the end of the exhibit there are two screens sharing interviews with doctors and patients; possibly listening to the ins and outs of “poo transplants” will have older kids momentarily transfixed! I definitely learned a few new things while I was there… that our mothers passed some of our microbes to us via the placenta, that we have more microbes than cells (37 trillion! ) and that gut microbes can affect not just your body but also your behavior and mental health (well I did know about the impact diet can play on autism spectrums, so it makes sense that this is relevant to all of us! ). During the April School holidays, the kids can take part in the very special Gut Feelings installation and performance on the ground floor – be sure to book in advance.

The tour is led by two bacteria who show you around their home – the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. They also discuss what happens in the stomach and why the stomach is designed the way it is. There are plenty of puns, lots of toilet humor and as you approach the end of the large intestine – lots of farts! All up expect the kids to be immersed in the digestive system for 30-40 minutes!

By taking the best parts of the story, the cast bring David Walliam’s book to life – cleverly adapting this tale into a punchier and more relatable one-hour stage show. I guess for a stage production they didn’t want us to dwell too deeply (and with one hour and a five-person cast, you can only allow for so much! ). the takeaway from the production is that friendship can’t be bought (and if you recall the book you will probably think back at the fact that Joe’s If you are visiting the Arts Centre these holidays be sure to enjoy some FREE activities in the foyer run by Polyglot Theatre – making Mrs. Trafe’s cafeteria specialties… mmm yuck!