Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s ‘Ouch!’ teaches kids about empathy

Playwright/director Annie Cusick Wood’s newest work for Honolulu Theatre for Youth — “Ouch!” — gives kids ages 6 and younger a whimsical but substantive lesson about the importance of compassion and having empathy for others.

In the play, characters Boo and Hoo are always busy fixing things. When a patient comes in with an “ouch,” Boo and Hoo try to fix it.

One evening a sparkly bag is brought to them. Inside is a small inflatable Earth. The Earth looks OK but then starts to deflate. Can Boo and Hoo fix it?

“The play teaches kids that ‘ouches,’ both emotional and physical, are part of life and nothing to be scared of. They’re a part of growing up,” says Eric Johnson, speaking both as HTY artistic director and the father of an active 2-year-old.

“One of the things we wanted to do was make the process of ‘ouches’ and healing something that was relatable to a young person,” he said. “At this place in development, kids are learning about empathy for others and their pain or what they might be going through. Building empathy for others is crucial to our development. That may be our greatest superpower.”

HTY company actors Maile Holck and Nathaniel Niemi bring the story to life as the energetic young “fixers.”

Johnson hopes that parents will help their kids apply the experiences of Boo and Hoo in dealing with future “ouches.”

“One of the things what we’re hoping to do with these particular shows is get young people interested in theater,” he said. “If parents are concerned — ‘My kid might speak or they run around, or they may not behave themselves’ — we encourage them to take a chance and bring them anyway. We pride ourselves — especially with this show — at being very family-friendly.”

At a glance

>> What it’s about: A young girl and her younger brother learn about empathy while taking care of the “ouches” that happen to teddy bears and dolls and other interesting critters that come into their world.

>> Messages: It is important to recognize the feelings of others. How do you treat someone who is uncomfortable or in pain? What are some of the “tools” you can use to help out?

>> Parental advisory: Nothing to worry about.

>> Kid-pleaser aspects: “Ouches” being treated with age-appropriate comedy. Also, catchy songs and colorful sets.

>> Run time: 35 minutes