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 Tree of Light
About
It is the last day of the year 3099. The leader of the Moonfolk — an elder at the age of 12 — asks you to pause your ceaseless survival work to join her in the giant, hollow trunk of the last remaining tree on the Moon. She invites you to do something unthinkable — something that your ancestors, the Earthkind, once had the luxury to do: listen to a story that might lead you on the long journey home. Read the full synopsis here.
This performance contains theatrical smoke, haze, loud noises
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 Childhood of the World
By Jennifer Mills (inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel)
Under the shade of a huge tree, Ida tends her quiet corner of nature. When a giant claims the tree as their own, one small, courageous voice may hold the power to change fate.
The Giant’s Garden
by Ursula Dubosarsky (inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant)
Under the shade of a huge tree, Ida tends her quiet corner of nature. When a giant claims the tree as their own, one small, courageous voice may hold the power to change fate.
Education
Synopsis
It is the last day of the year 3,099. The leader of the Moonfolk, an elder at the age of 12, is asking you to take the great risk of pausing in your ceaseless survival work so she can speak to you about the last remaining tree on the Moon. She would like you to do something unthinkable, something that your ancestors, the Earthkind, once had the luxury to do: listen to a story that might just save your souls.
Grandmother Tree is the only living link left between the old ways and the new. She has memories of her Treekind back home, and of the Earthkind, too – one young girl in particular, whose curiosity and courage in the face of hardship Grandmother Tree has never forgotten. She thinks of her often. The little match girl, the girl who climbed high up in her branches seeking honey. It is her story that Grandmother Tree wants you to hear. Grandmother Tree’s seeds have been sent in vain back to Earth, though nothing grows there. But something is happening on the old planet.
The leader of the Moonfolk and Grandmother Tree ask you to sit for just a little while longer. Turn your gaze back to Earth, to a sight that the Moonfolk have avoided for too long and make your peace with it. Breathe in as she breathes out and listen.
Pricing
Standard
One performance: $15 per student
Two performances: $13 per student
Three performances: $12 per student
Equity (Cat 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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