Matilda the Musical opened in London’s West End in 2011 and instantly inspired children around the world to “Revolt!” With a four-year run on Broadway and multiple international tours, Matilda the Musical’s success is far-reaching. Its most popular songs being, “Naughty” and “Revolting Children,” the show undoubtedly has an appeal for the rambunctious side of every child! But despite its humor and exaggerated portrayal of events, Matilda the Musical teaches us, most importantly, that no matter how little you are, no matter your situation, you deserve to be treated with fairness, love, and respect. This is the message that we want every child, every student, every audience member to take away with them.
The character of Matilda is engulfed in two separate worlds of injustice. In her home life, her father consistently commits criminal acts to scam mafia members and ignores Matilda’s female identity, her mother is repulsed by her, and her brother who does nothing more than stare at screens all day is rewarded while Matilda’s interest in books is ridiculed. At school, her principal torments children, literally throwing them by the hair and locking them in small boxes with spikes. The rage that all of this instills in Matilda, combined with her intelligence ultimately gives her the super power of telekinesis. Or, as her best friend, Lavender, puts it, “There’s no room in [her] brain for all those books so they squish out through [her] eyes.”
On the surface, this idea is straightforward: Knowledge is Power. But there is a hidden complexity to it. Sure, Matilda’s super power comes from reading all those books. In fact, in the original book, Roald Dahl wrote, 'These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.” In the musical version, that vital message is only the first step. The stories she’s read are her proof that a better world is possible and that people should be able to change the ending of their story to create the life they desire. But, in the musical, Matilda’s power isn’t activated until two more very important things happen; she witnesses injustices happening to people besides herself, and she has a supportive and nurturing adult in her life. It is her alliance with Miss Honey, her friendship with her classmates, and her unwavering sense of integrity and morality that truly drive Matilda’s power.
Working in theatre, one of my main goals when producing a show is to create a performance that is undoubtedly enjoyable, but also makes the audience think. Matilda the Musical’s layers of complexity are fantastic for this. There are many themes that I hope you’ll take away from the performance: Stand up for what is right. Treat others respectfully. Reading is beneficial. You are not alone. But also deeper questions: What is your superpower? Who in your life empowers you? What drives you to act? How can we empower others?
One little person can change the world, a little at a time, by being just a little bit naughty.
Why can’t that person be you?
-Rachel Bratt, Middle School Drama Director
