Edward the Emu
Based on the books by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement. Written for the stage and directed by Eva Di Cesare
Enhance your theatre with our egg-ceptional and engaging Edward the Emu activities available in the lead up to the show season and before and after the shows! Click here for more information and to plan your day out to the theatre now!
The award-winning team behind Possum Magic return to bring a unique imagining of two beloved Australian picture books, Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu, to life on stage in a heartfelt, clever and funny new tale.
Edward is bored with the lot he lives on. Being the only emu at the zoo leaves him feeling glum and under the impression that the grass is greener in another animal’s enclosure. Convinced that the other creatures are more popular, Edward breaks ranks in search of fun and finds Edwina along the way!
Come on an adventure with the emus as they hilariously navigate their own feathered existential crises, seeking to find their place in the world. Meanwhile, the zoo keepers are in hot pursuit to restore order to the zoo.
Featuring exceptional, world-class puppetry, an original score and inventive storytelling, the emus’ journey of hijinks and tenderness leads them to discover that the best thing you can be is…you!
AUDIENCE INFORMATION
General Public: Suitable for ages 4 – 10 and their families
Schools: Suitable for Preschool – Year 4 (Early Stage 1 – Stage 2)
Duration: 50 minutes (No interval plus 20-minute Q&A following all performances)
Please Note: Infants aged under two do not require a ticket to attend performances at The Joan provided they can sit on a parent’s lap.
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCE
The performance on Wednesday 23 November at 10am will be a Relaxed Performance. A Visual Story will be available closer to the performance season to accompany it. Please see the ‘Accessible Performances’ section below, for more information.
SCHOOLS PERFORMANCES
The dedicated schools performances are on Tuesday 22 November at 12pm and Wednesday 23 November at 10am & 12pm. Please see the ‘Schools Bookings and Resources’ section below, for more information and to book.
Cast & Creatives
Eva Di Cesare / Writer and Director
Isabel Hudson / Set and Costume Designer
Alice Osborne / Puppetry Director
Nate Edmondson / Composer and Sound Designer
Matt Cox / Lighting Designer
Sandra Eldridge / Dramaturg
Warwick Doddrell / Assistant Director
Bryony Anderson / Puppetry Designer and Maker
Cally Bartley / Company Stage Manager
Dana Ioppolo / Touring Technical Coordinator
Paul Grabovac / Cast
Tina Jackson / Cast
Matthew Lee / Cast
- Key Info:
- Dates & Times
- Tickets
- Accessibility
22 Nov 2022 12:00 pm
22 Nov 2022 6:00 pm
23 Nov 2022 10:00 am
Sold Out23 Nov 2022 12:00 pm
Schools Bookings and Resources
Key Information and How to Book
Schools Performances
Edward the Emu is recommended for Preschool – Year 4 (Early Stage 1 – Stage 2). The dedicated schools performances of this production include:
Tuesday 22 November at 12pm
Wednesday 23 November at 10am* & 12pm
*This performance will be a Relaxed Performance. Please see the ‘Accessible Performances’ section below for more information
Duration
50 minutes (No interval plus 20-minute Q&A following all performances)
Schools Booking Form
To book this production for your school, please fill out the Schools Booking Form below.
More Information
Click here to visit our ‘Information for School Groups’ page to download a copy of our current Risk Assessment and find out more about our venue, getting here, accessibility, education resources and the booking process.
Enquiries
To discuss schools bookings further, please contact Box Office on (02) 4723 7600 or boxoffice@penrith.city
Schools/Centres – Click Here to Book Now
Free In-School Workshops
Enhance your students theatrical experience with Monkey Baa’s free in-school workshops, available by request prior to the performance season for Edward the Emu.
Led by a professional teaching artist and featuring content tailored to the show, these invaluable workshops allow students and teachers to explore the plot, themes and production of Edward the Emu before seeing it on stage, through various drama-based activities.
These are limited to the first two schools who book tickets to the show and express interest in this option on their booking form.
We recommend you book early to avoid the disappointment of missing out!
Curriculum Links and Resources
Teachers Resource Kit and Curriculum Links
Click here to download the Edward the Emu Teachers Resource Kit including NSW Curriculum Links
Additional Resources
Coming soon – Please stay tuned!
GENERAL RESOURCES
Risk Assessment
Click here to download a Word version of PP&VA’s Risk Assessment
Click here to download a PDF version of PP&VA’s Risk Assessment
A Handy Guide to Attending the Theatre
Attending the theatre is a magical and exciting experience for all ages. For some of your students, an excursion to The Joan may be their first time seeing live theatre. To ensure you have a positive and memorable time, we have put together a Handy Guide of tips to discuss with your students prior to attending a show.
Click here to download a Word version of the Guide
Click here to download a PDF version of the Guide
Accessible Performance
Relaxed Performance and Visual Story
The performance on Wednesday 23 November at 10am will be a Relaxed Performance.
The Visual Story will be available to download here closer to the performance season.
What is a Relaxed Performance?
Relaxed performances, screenings or events are designed to reduce anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere for patrons with autism spectrum conditions, learning disability and other sensory and communication needs. There is a relaxed attitude to regular theatre etiquette, such as noise and movement among the audience.
Modifications will differ depending on the event, but can include:
- The doors to the theatre, gallery or venue space being left open to allow audience members to enter and exit as needed; and
- Noise and movement and light and sound effects being toned down or removed.
Where possible, a Visual Story and/or Sensory Guide is provided prior to a Relaxed Event to further assist teachers and students in preparing for their excursion.
What is a Visual Story?
Using both words and pictures, a Visual Story introduces students to what they can expect during their excursion to the theatre or gallery. They briefly tell the story of your journey from the start to the end of the event in a factual way, offering positive options to help with fears and triggers such as loud noises.
