Shaun Tan’s award-winning tale CICADA comes to life on stage

BG STC CICADA by Shaun Tan Hachette Australia 2018A perfect school holiday outing for ages 8 and above, Sydney Theatre Company presents Barking Gecko Theatre’s stunning new stage adaptation of master storyteller Shaun Tan’s beloved tale, CICADA, at the Wharf 2 Theatre from 21 September 2024.

Winner of the Children’s Book Council Award for Best Picture Book in 2019, CICADA is brought to three-dimensional life by one of Australia’s premier children’s theatre companies, Barking Gecko Theatre.

Led by director Luke Kerridge, performers Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, combine enchanting puppetry and dream-like imagery in a live performance that will captivate children and adults alike.

“Cicada tell story. Story good. Story simple. Story even human can understand. Tok! Tok! Tok!”

Cicada spends his days dutifully working away in a grey office. Overlooked by his superiors and overworked by his colleagues, he is getting very close to the end of his tether. But one day, looking out over the city from the rooftop of his office building, Cicada has an epiphany.

A small story of epic proportions, CICADA is an allegory of difference, resilience and the light we all have inside ourselves. Children and adults will love this enchanting tale about finding one’s place in the world.

“Visually masterful, thematically brilliant, beautifully executed … this year’s must-see performance for children and families.” – Arts Hub

Director: Luke Kerridge | Featuring: Arielle Gray, Tim Watts | Designer: Tyler Hill | Lighting Designer: Chloe Ogilvie | Composer: Jonathon Jie Hong Yang | Sound Designer: Tim Collins | Video Designer: Tim Watts | Puppet Construction: Tamara Rewse


CICADA
Wharf 2 Theatre, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Season: 21 September – 13 October 2024
Information and Bookings: www.sydneytheatre.com.au

Image: reproduced with permission from CICADA by Shaun Tan, Hachette Australia, 2018