West Australian Opera and Breaksea present
The adventure of Tipu the fox and Marri the echidna.
In the foxes’ city of Hillside, songs are trapped, stored, and consumed as energy. Tipu, the fox, was raised as a Song Catcher. His friend Marri, the echidna, still holds a true, living song. When Tipu betrays Marri by catching his song, he triggers a catastrophic release of songs that have been trapped and stored, igniting fire and blame.
Fleeing into the Albany bush, Tipu and Marri reunite on an adventure to the mythical Listening Tree, a place of memory and renewal where they discover the power of listening.
This heartfelt tale has been inspired by conversations and workshops with Menang Noongar Elders, Aunty Eliza Woods, Aunty Glenda Williams and Uncle Larry Blight alongside Breaksea Youth Writers’ Group and the Artistic Development Panel.
With original music by Jarred Wall, West Australian Music 2025 Vocalist of the Year, and featuring Gina Williams-Ghouse, Jarrad Inman and Rachelle Durkin, The Song Catchers examines the healing power of music, blending live performance and animation into a powerful and uplifting theatrical experience.
Schools Performance: 11am, 23 October
Director & Librettist Matt Reuben James Ward Composer Jarred Wall Conductor & Music Arranger Pia Harris Set & Costume Design Fiona Bruce Animation Design Sohan Ariel Hayes Lighting Design Lucy Birkinshaw Associate Director Rachael Colmer Cultural Consultants Aunty Eliza Woods, Aunty Glenda Williams, Uncle Larry Blight and Jarrad Inman Contributors Breaksea Youth Writers’ Group and Jon Doust Featuring Breaksea Youth Ensemble and UWA Music Theatre students
Nan Gina Williams-Ghouse AM Arum (Tipu's mum) Rachelle Durkin Marri Jarrad Inman Tipu Lachlan Higgins |
In the city of Hillside, foxes power their homes with songs gathered from the animals living beyond the fence. Young foxes are trained as the song catchers, tasked with collecting living songs and storing them underground to fuel the city. Tipu, a young Song Catcher, harbors a secret: his friend Marri, an echidna holds a living song. One day Tipu betrays Marri when he hands Marri’s song over to the song catchers. Guilt drives Tipu to try and return the song, however in the attempt, hundreds of trapped songs are accidentally released, sparking fire and fear. Forced to flee, Tipu and Marri journey through the Albany bush to the mythical Listening Tree, a place said to help lost voices grow again. Along the way, they confront their mistakes, rebuild trust, and discover the deeper purpose of listening. At the Listening Tree, Marri’s voice is restored. Reunited, Tipu and Marri sing together- for friendship, for community, and for a better shared future. |
WHEN IS IT?
WHAT TIME CAN I ARRIVE? WHERE IS IT? HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS FOR MY STUDENTS?
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS? Pricing and Transaction Fee Information
WHAT AGE IS IT FOR? GETTING THERE Parking for 135 vehicles is available in the Centre’s car park which is accessed via Toll Place which runs off Princess Royal Drive. Additional parking is available in the City CBD north of the railway line where people may utilise the footbridge to access the Centre. MY SCHOOL REQUIRES AN EXCURSION MANAGEMENT PLAN ARE THERE LEARNING RESOURCES AVAILABLE? PERFORMANCE RUNNING TIMES? LOCKOUT POLICY? Can I use my phone in the theatre? Can I use my mobile phone in the theatre and take photos of the performance? Please remember that the light from a mobile phone switched to silent may still disrupt other audience members. It is a requirement of entry into performances that you do not use your mobile phone to make or receive calls or messages. MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Helen Dwyer
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Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Friday 23 October
11am - Schools Performance
6pm
Saturday 24 October
11am
6pm
Location
Additional Notes
Duration: 60 minutes, no interval
Language: Sung in English
Warnings: The show includes dark scenes, flashing lighting, loud noises and themes of loss. It is suitable for a general audience but recommended for 8yrs+.
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