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Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO

Parrwang Lifts the Sky

10–24 May 2024 Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse

Engage and inspire with this specially crafted program for primary and junior secondary school students. 

Open the door for students to step into the enchanting world of opera, exploring the magic from music to design, singing along to captivating tunes, interacting with performers, and witnessing an unforgettable show.

In the upcoming Term 2 of 2024, we proudly present the Wadawurrung creation story, Parrwang Lifts the Sky by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO. This educational production offers the tale of Parrwang, the magpie, aiding her human friends in creating the first dawn. To bring light to the land of the humans, they must convince The Great Council of Birds led by Bunjil, the majestic Eagle, to lift the blanket of darkness from the world.

Spaces are limited so don’t miss the opportunity for your students to see this significant performance.  Sign up your school by clicking on the Register Here button.

Metro Schools Register Here Regional Schools Register Here Ballarat Schools Register Here
Parrwang Lifts the Sky - Web Programme
Download PDF (4 MB)

Creatives & Cast

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

Ticket Information

Ticket Prices

Education Pricing - Metro Melbourne Schools and Ballarat Schools

Price Type
Price
Student
$16
Teacher (1 free with each group of 10 students)
Free
Teacher - Additional
$16
Access All Areas Workshop
Free
Want to book tickets?

Education Pricing - Regional Schools

Price Type
Price
Streamed Performance and Access All Areas Workshop
$1 per student
Want to book tickets?

Access All Areas: Parrwang Lifts the Sky (Education performances)

  • School Group bookings available via Victorian Opera on 03 9001 6400.
  • One complimentary teacher ticket for every 10 students.
  • Additional teachers at student rate.

Dates & Times

  • Friday 10 May 10.30* am and 1.00 pm**
  • Monday 13 May 10.30 am
  • Tuesday 14 May 10.30 am
  • Wednesday 15 May 10.30 am and 1.00 pm~
  • Thursday 16 May 10.30 am and 1.00 pm~
  • Friday 17 May 10.30 am***

* Access an Audio Described Performance and a Tactile Tour. Tactile Tours are for ticket holders with a vision impairment and their companion to explore the props and costumes before the performance begins. Audio Description narrates the action on stage for audience members who are blind or visually impaired via a wireless receiver pack and earpiece. When organising your tickets, please ask the venue box office to book your Audio Description receiver and Tactile Tour. Find out more about Accessibility.

**Access a Relaxed Performance which is ideal for audience members with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome and those sensitive to sensory variance.

***Livestreamed Performance

~ With Secondary Schools

Ticketing Assistance

For assistance with subscriptions, contact our Subscriptions team on 1300 822 849 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm) or email subscriptions@victorianopera.com.au

For assistance with single ticket bookings, contact us via boxoffice@victorianopera.com.au.

COVID-19 Safety

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).

Malthouse Theatre, Merlyn Theatre

113 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3006

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