Unbreakable bonds of life on the land
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will present its acclaimed five-star production celebrating the iconic Australian spirit of life on the land at its home theatre in Fremantle from June 30 for the school holidays and the first week of Term 3.
The Farmer’s Daughter was developed through a unique collaboration between the Merredin farming community and Spare Parts Puppet Theatre during a series of residencies in 2014 that saw the creative team immersed in the daily of lives of a classic wheatbelt town.
Inspired by real life stories, The Farmer’s Daughter explores themes of survival and resilience while celebrating the lives of the people who live and work on the land. The humorous and dramatic story is told through voice over of a CB radio conversation between a grandfather and a granddaughter, who share an unbreakable bond of connection to the land they love.
Through an innovative set, large scale puppetry, a superb soundscape, and vivid lighting, the production captures the atmosphere of the rural lifestyle. Knockabout physical performances by five performers transport you to farming life amid the hilarity of a sheep muster gone wrong or the beauty of a kangaroo in motion. The production was nominated for six Performing Arts WA Awards following its world premiere in 2014.
Artistic Director of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Philip Mitchell said that The Farmer’s Daughter is a dramatic and humorous story based on real Australian stories and characters.
“The Farmer’s Daughter takes us on an epic journey through the lives of a family - the good times and the bad - with the tears and the laughter,” he said. “At its heart is a tribute to the human spirit that rises above adversity to find the joy in life, the humour in any situation, the beauty of the land, and the strength to go on. The emotional truth of this show will touch every member of your family and remain with you long after you leave the theatre.”
Details
Perfect for ages 8 and above (Suitable for 5+), The Farmer’s Daughter is a special and very Australian experience for the whole family to share. The 50-minute performance (plus a 10 minute Q&A) is presented daily at 10am and 1pm, Monday to Saturday (no shows on Sundays or public holidays). There will also be special 6:30pm twilight performances throughout the season. For details and bookings 24/7 visit www.sppt.asn.au or call 9335 5044 during business hours.
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is one of the longest running theatre companies in Western Australia and is Australia’s flagship puppetry company. Its extensive annual program includes four metropolitan performance seasons, industry training and puppetry workshops, and an extensive touring program across regional WA and the nation.
The Farmer’s Daughter is proudly presented in partnership with Cash Converters.