Country Arts SA pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their continuing connection and spiritual relationship to these lands, waters and skies. We are committed to listening and helping care for Country, and safeguarding, sharing and celebrating First Nations’ living cultures.
The Giant’s Garden
About
While rowdy children climb joyfully in the branches of a huge tree, Ida tends her quiet corner of nature with her friend, Quill the snail. The children scatter in fear when a giant claims the tree as their own, building a high wall to keep others out — separating Ida from Quill. As perpetual winter sets in, the children are horrified to hear the giant preparing to destroy the tree. Amid the sorrow, one small, courageous voice may hold the power to change their fate. Read the full synopsis here.
This performance contains Theatrical smoke, haze, laser lights, loud noises, strong scents and a giant!
A Concise Compendium of Wonder
Step inside The Wandering Hall of Possibility to discover a trio of imaginative worlds, each containing a timely and timeless tale. This compendium of new Australian stories, inspired by classic fairytales, intertwines to form an unforgettable triptych. Experience each story individually or immerse yourself in an epic journey through the complete collection — all bound in one evolving wooden building that continually reveals new surprises.
Using Slingsby’s internationally renowned theatre techniques — shadow, light-play, miniatures, and original music — this magical theatre experience will transport you through time and space on a voyage that explores humanity’s shifting relationship with nature.
The Tree of Light
By Ceridwen Dovey (inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl)
It is the last day of the year 3099. The leader of the Moonfolk asks you to pause your ceaseless survival work to do something unthinkable: listen to a story that might lead you on the long journey home.
The Childhood of the World
By Jennifer Mills (inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel)
In a time of famine, siblings Ré and Crann find themselves lost in a forest that holds both danger and promise. Only by learning to read the wisdom found in their natural surroundings will they survive a perilous journey home.
Education
Synopsis
Every day Ida plays quietly under a huge tree on a hill with her friend Quill the snail. Meanwhile, rowdier children climb and play joyfully in the branches above. One day, a great giant arrives in their world and tells them all to go away. “This tree is mine!” he declares. Terrified, the children flee, and Ida is forced to leave Quill behind.
The giant builds a dark tower and a high wall around the tree, with a sign: KEEP OUT. The days pass sorrowfully for the children, especially Ida, sick with worry about Quill. The weather grows colder and snow falls. One day in horror the children hear the giant preparing to cut the tree down to burn it. High on the hill Quill sings a mysterious song that only Ida hears, giving her courage to go up and stop the giant. She finds a place in the wall to get through and sees the giant frozen with ice under the tree. Filled with pity she takes his hand, and tells the giant he mustn’t harm the tree, because it belongs to everyone, and the children love it. Moved, the giant cries out, his body melts, he throws down his saw and destroys the wall.
Spring returns, the tree blooms, the children run into the branches to play, and Ida is reunited with Quill. They all live in happiness together until the end of the giant’s long life, when he lies down and gently dies, covered by the leaves of the tree.
Pricing
Standard
One performance: $15 per student
Two performances: $13 per student
Three performances: $12 per student
Equity (Category 1 – 4)
One performance: $12 per student
Two performances: $10 per student
Three performances: $9 per student
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Workshops
Slingsby Theatre Techniques: Shadow & Miniaturisation
Over the past 15 years, Slingsby has developed a distinctive look and feel to its theatre-making. From The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy (2007) to The Boy Who Talked to Dogs (2021), each show has incorporated elements of shadow play, miniaturisation and sustained moments of image and sound. Through this hands-on workshop students will discover how these techniques can be used in storytelling to create their own short pieces of theatre.
Please note, this workshop includes access to Slingsby’s torches and materials to create beautiful shadow play.
What makes a small theatre company work?
A workshop for teachers and Year 10, 11 and 12 students. The workshop will provide a living example of the SACE process of formulating a working company with a vision.
The workshop delves into how Slingsby:
-Formulate a vision for the company Identifies their target audience
-Determines their dramatic vision and works on their collaboration skills
-Plans marketing, publicity, and promotion
-Undertakes financial considerations
-Develops stylistic features for the company
-Develops strategies for reaching new audiences.
Workshop pricing
Standard
$500/workshop (max 30 participants)
Equity (Cat 1 – 4)
$300/workshop (max 30 participants)
For more information about workshops, please email: [email protected]
Nunga Tickets for First Nations Communities
Country Arts SA offers discounted Nunga Tickets to support access and inclusion for First Nations peoples. These tickets are available at our Arts Centres and through the Shows on the Road program.
Sponsored by
Slingsby is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts funding and advisory body.
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