West Australian Opera (WAO) and Breaksea will capture the imagination with their new work, The Song Catchers, when it makes its world premiere this October at the Albany Entertainment Centre as part of Albany 2026.
Join Tipu, a fox, and Marri, an echidna, as they journey through a world where songs have been silenced. In the city of Hillside, songs are captured and consumed as energy, and young foxes are trained as Song Catchers.
When Tipu betrays his friend by handing over Marri’s living song, he unleashes a chain of events that forces them both to flee into the Albany bush in search of the mythical Listening Tree, a place where lost voices can grow again.
Through tangled truths and tested friendships, their adventure explores what it means to find your voice and to hope for a better shared future together.
Inspired by conversations and workshops with Menang Noongar Elders, Aunty Eliza Woods, Aunty Glenda Williams and Uncle Larry Blight, alongside the Breaksea Youth Writers’ Group and the Artistic Development Panel, The Song Catchers has been shaped through deep listening and community collaboration.
The uplifting musical adventure blends live performance with original music by Jarred Wall (West Australian Music 2025 Vocalist of the Year) and animation by Sohan Ariel Hayes. The work examines identity, belonging and the healing power of music, promising to resonate with audiences of all ages.
“For nearly 60 years, West Australian Opera has been committed to telling stories that resonate across time and with music that stirs something within us all. The Song Catchers is a testament to that tradition,” says West Australian Opera’s Executive Director, Carolyn Chard AM.
“For centuries the Menang Elders have shared their stories and we are honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with them and Breaksea on this powerful story of connection and renewal, which we are sure will resonate with audiences for years to come.”
Breaksea’s Artistic Director and CEO, Matt Reuben James Ward, who was raised in Albany will be directing and writing the libretto for The Song Catchers and says: “I’m incredibly excited to once again be collaborating with West Australian Opera and to be working on a story that is unique to where I grew up. Albany is a place that holds such special memories for me, and creating The Song Catchers is up there as one of the most memorable yet.”
“Working with Menang elders Aunty Eliza Woods, Aunty Glenda Williams and Uncle Larry Blight as well as Jarrad Inman, the Breaksea Writers Group and Jon Doust has been such a profound and deeply moving experience. We hope by telling this powerful story through music, animation and live performance that we can inspire future generations to use their voices for good,” said Ward.
Albany singer Jarrad Inman, who previously starred in West Australian Opera’s first Noongar language operas, Koolbardi Wer Wardong and Wundig Wer Wilura will star in the role of Marri, alongside an all-star cast including Gina Williams-Ghouse (Koolbardi Wer Wardong) and Rachelle Durkin (Our Little Inventor) with Pia Harris conducting. The production also proudly features the Breaksea Youth Ensemble, placing young regional voices at the heart of this new Australian story.
THE SONG CATCHERS
Albany Entertainment Centre, 2 Toll Place, Albany (WA)
Performances: 23 & 24 October 2026
Bookings: www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
For more information, visit: www.waopera.asn.au for details.
Image: The Song Catchers (supplied)