Parrwang Lifts the Sky

Details About The Show Creatives & Cast Ticket Information

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Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO

Parrwang Lifts the Sky

24–25 May 2024 Civic Hall, Ballarat

Based on an original creation story from Wadawurrung Country.

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Details About The Show Creatives & Cast Ticket Information

Did you know that magpies created the first dawn?*

Victorian Opera is once again proud to present Parrwang Lifts the Sky as part of its family and education program.

A long time ago…

The sky was a blanket on the land. The earth was in darkness and the people were afraid. If not for the courage of Parrwang the magpie, determined to assist her newfound friends, this blanket may still be with us today.

Tjatjarrang (Big Sister) and Koki (Brother) are young, adventurous and tired of living in the dark. When they manage to climb to the highest branches of an ancient gum tree, they discover a world of colour and light and a friend in Parrwang (Magpie).

Parrwang decides to help her new friends lift the blanket of darkness from the young humans world. The plan is devised but Parrwang must first convince the Great Council of Birds led by Bunjil (Eagle). Will the council agree?

*Based on an original creation story from Wadawurrung Country.

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Schools & Family Show

Dates & Info

Friday 24 May, 1.00 pm
Friday 24 May, 7.00 pm
Saturday 25 May, 2.00 pm

Duration
55 minutes, with no interval

Language
Sung in English and Wadawurrung with surtitles and scene descriptors

Venue

Civic Hall, Ballarat

This performance takes place on the land of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded — this land is stolen land. We pay respects to Wadawurrung Elders, past & present.

Performance Partner

In Association with

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne

Generously Supported by

Jane Hemstritch OA

Parrwang Lifts the Sky Programme

Download PDF (4 MB)↓

Parrwang Lifts the Sky Education Resource

Download PDF (6 MB)↓

Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO

Creative Team

Composer and Librettist Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
Conductor Aaron Wyatt
Director Elizabeth Hill-Cooper
Cultural Textile Design Dr Deanne Gilson Wadawurrung Elder
Cultural Scenic Design Billy-Jay O’Toole
Set & Costume Designer Mel Serjeant
Lighting Designer Peter Darby
Sound Designer Samuel Moxham

Cast

Featuring students from University of Melbourne.

Orchestra

Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra

Tickets via Majestix

Price Type

One Reserve

Adult

$35

Concession

$30

Child (16yrs & Under)

$24

Family (2 Adults / 2 Child)

$120

Groups (4+)

$33

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School Groups via Majestix

Price Type

One Reserve

Students

$16

Teacher (1 free with every 10 students)

Teacher - Additional

$16

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Victorian Opera is proud to present Deborah Cheetham Frailon’s AO Parrwang Lifts the Sky at the Ballarat Civic Hall as part of our Education Season in Term 2, 2024 on Friday 24 May 1.00 pm.

There will be a preshow Q & A starting at 12.00 pm for Secondary School students (30 minute duration).

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Box Office

300-304 Mair St, Ballarat
Monday to Friday, 9.15am – 5pm and one hour prior to performance starting times.

For assistance with bookings, contact the Ballarat Civic Hall Box Office on (03) 5333 5888 or email majestix@hermaj.com.

The safety of our audience and team is paramount. Current COVID-safe procedures will be adhered to for every performance.

If you or a member of your household is unwell or displaying COVID-19 symptoms before a performance, please stay home. To exchange or refund your tickets due to feeling unwell, simply contact us prior to the scheduled performance via boxoffice@victorianopera.com.au or phone (03) 9001 6412 (Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4.30 pm).