Saltbush

Saltbush 

Produced by Insite Arts and Compagnia TPO

Supported by Arena Theatre Company, through funding from Creative Australia via the Playing Australia Project Investment Fund

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Saltbush is a plant that can be found across Australia and so it represents a common thread between Indigenous nations and First Nations peoples. This shared idea acted as a point of inspiration for the narrative, contemporary painting, dance, and instrumental music created by First Nations artists. These artistic forms were used as a means of interpreting the natural features of the landscape in an Indigenous mythological context. 

Saltbush centres on the journey of two friends and their spiritual guide on foot as they cross Australian landscapes – river country, an urban landscape, desert, and the sea. The journey is one of discovering the land, growing an understanding, and acknowledging how it shapes and inspires personal journeys. 
 
Through its use of sensor and infrared cameras, Saltbush allows young audiences to interact, play and perform in the show. It also provides a unique experience for parents and teachers as they witness the children become involved.  

TPO’s award winning artistry in multi-media theatre for young people is combined with the work of acclaimed First Nations artists working with members of the TPO company – composer Lou Bennett (Yorta Yorta/ Dja Dja Wurrung) with Spartaco Cortesi (Italy), visual artist Delwyn Mannix (Wangkangurru) with Digital Designer: Elsa Mersi & Rossano Monti (Italy), choreography Deon Hastie (Tjapukai) with Anna Balducci, Sasha Zahra (dramaturgy) with artistic direction of Insite Arts director Jason Cross and TPO director Davide Venturini. 

“Children’s theatre doesn’t get any better than this. This inspired array of Italian and Aboriginal artists is the perfect fusion of dance, art and breathtaking digital design.” - SUNDAY MAIL 

“Created for children aged four to eight, the show is an impressive and ingenious combination of modern technology with the traditions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of Australia.” - HERALD SCOTLAND 

“A sumptuous interactive journey of movement and colour through Aboriginal Australia.” - EDINBURGHGUIDE.COM 

Supported by Arena Theatre Company, through funding from Creative Australia via the Playing Australia Project Investment Fund.

CREATIVE TEAM: 
 
Choreographer: Deon Hastie (Australia/ Tjapukai) 
Composer/ Musician: Lou Bennett (Australia/ Yorta Yorta/ Dja Dja Wurrung) with Spartaco Cortesi (Italy)  
Visual Artist/ Painter: Delwyn Mannix (Australia/ Wangkangurru)  
Co-Artistic Directors: Davide Venturini (Italy) & Jason Cross (Australia)  
Dramaturgy: Sasha Zahra (Australia)
  
Digital Designer: Elsa Mersi (Italy) 
Technical Designer: Rossano Monti (Italy) 
Artistic collaborations: Edoardo Donatini (Italy) and Francesco Gandi (Italy) 
Technical & Production Manager: Niccolo Gallio, (Aust/Italy) 
Producer: Insite Arts _ Jason Cross (Australia) 
TPO Manager: Valentina Martini (Italy) 

Image credit: Tiffany Garvie

 
CAST:  

Luke Currie-Richardson (Kuku Yalanji, Djabugay, Munaldjali, Butchulla & Meriam) 
Cleoparta Pryce (Kuku Yalanji, Kawrareg and Kulkalgal) 
Leonie Whyman (Makwarra, Paakantji, Wiradjuri) 

Performance information

45 minutes, no interval
Recommended ages 4-10

All children 12 months or over must have a ticket.

Information for Schools

All tickets for this performance are free but bookings are required to secure your place.

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