From one of the world’s most celebrated chamber orchestras comes this immersive performance for young audiences. Weaving together captivating storytelling with a newly composed score performed by ACO Collective, There’s A Sea in My Bedroom captures the magic of a child’s fantasy world.
“As soon as I read ACO and children’s book I couldn’t book fast enough. My four-year-old grandson was completely enchanted by the creation of the world of the story and by the musicians and their instruments. A magical first experience of theatre for one small boy.”
David is frightened of the sea. He does not like it at all, not one bit.
But one day he finds a conch shell at the beach and takes it home – and he hears the sea trapped inside.
'Come out, sea, come out,' he says softly. 'I won't hurt you.’
Based on the picture book by the much-loved Australian children's author Margaret Wild, this new work is entirely unique in its form - a sophisticated theatrical performance for very young children which blends story and classical music in an immersive and accessible experience.
The themes of the story – a boy who is frightened of the sea but uses his imagination to overcome his fears – resonates widely, and the moments of fear, sadness, joy, magic, and laughter have proved to engage children and their adults. The story is presented by one actor and the exquisite music is performed by a string quintet with a score that is woven throughout the entire performance. Following the performance, children can meet the musicians and learn more about their instruments in an informal ‘meet and greet’ session.
ACO Collective is the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s critically acclaimed regional touring and education ensemble. It combines Australia’s most talented emerging string players with the professional musicians of the ACO to create a high-energy string orchestra that tours music and education activities to regional locations all over Australia.
The Australian Chamber Orchestra lives and breathes music, making waves around the world for their explosive performances and brave interpretations. Steeped in history but always looking to the future, ACO programs embrace celebrated classics alongside new commissions, and adventurous cross artform collaborations. Led by Artistic Director Richard Tognetti since 1990, the ACO performs more than 100 concerts each year. Whether performing in Manhattan, New York, or Wollongong, NSW, the ACO’s commitment to creating transformative musical experiences is unwavering.
Collaborating with the ACO and Paul Stanhope in the development of this new work has been an exceptional experience! I’m in total awe of Paul’s composition – he’s captured the inquisitive, imaginative, and youthful charm of the piece in a stunning score - you can almost ‘feel’ the sea lapping at your feet. In developing the piece, we were cognisant of the fact that for many young people, this will be their very first theatre experience. Our aim? To capture the magical realism of the story in a sophisticated, imaginative, and immersive format. Hats off to the ACO for programming such a quality inspiring experience for young Australians!
Tim McGarry
July to August 2022
CREDITS
Director and Adapter Tim McGarry
Composer Paul Stanhope
Sound Designer Daniel Blinkhorn
Production Designer Kelsey Lee
For all enquiries please contact
Tara Smith, Creative Producer ACO
tara.smith@aco.com.au
0425 835 042
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.