The magical world of Patricia Wrightson’s much-loved novel comes to life on stage in a stunning visual feast, combining ERTH’s large scale puppets, live actors, and digital animation.

The story follows Simon, a boy orphaned and relocated to his distant cousins’ bush farm, where he soon meets the trickster Potkoorok, the mischievous Turongs and the cave-dwelling Nyols.

This peaceful haven is disrupted by the arrival of the Nargun. Disturbed by development in the valley, this terrifying stone creature threatens the destruction of the farm and its inhabitants, and Simon finds himself in a struggle with a power out of the depths of time.

Human and creature face off, a storm rages through the theatre, and a bulldozer disappears before your eyes, but always grounding the spectacle are Wrightson’s warmth, humour and richly drawn characters.

This story of adventure and discovery for young people also delivers a vital message of respect for Indigenous culture, the land and its folklore.

The adaptation is informed by ERTH’s on-going consultation with the original story owners, the Gunai/Kurnai, Monaro and Boon Wurrung communities of East Gippsland.

“The result is a wonderful show, eminently watchable and full of delights…  The visual imagination and technical adventurousness is matched with a coherent and resonant narrative. Everything works, from Young’s and Byron’s initial laconic heartiness (nodding slightly towards Australian Gothic), Phil Downing’s excellent music, Sam James’s lovely video and, especially, the visual inventiveness and scale of the thing…. It is a rare and pleasurable work that manages technical brilliance, cultural insight and enchantment all in one go.”  Stephen Dunne, The Sydney Morning Herald

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