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The Rabbits

Theatre
The Rabbits

In this world premiere, John Marsden and Shaun Tan’s compelling picture-book The Rabbits was brought to life as a new work of operatic theatre for adults and children alike.

This is a story of hope in the face of colonisation, displacement and despair. The world of The Rabbits invites us to question the constructs of modern life: society, culture, environment … the essence of our humanity.

The Rabbits brought together an extraordinary Australian creative team. Award-winning vocalist Kate Miller-Heidke leads a cast of singers and musicians, performing her own compositions and Lally Katz’s enchanting libretto, with additional music from Iain Grandage in John Sheedy’s adaptation of a revered classic.

FOUR HELPMANN AWARDS© 2015 NOMINATIONS INCLUDING BEST PRESENTATION FOR CHILDREN, BEST NEW AUSTRALIAN WORK, BEST ORIGINAL SCORE AND BEST COSTUME DESIGN

The Rabbits 

Written by John Marsden and illustrated by Shaun Tan

12 February – 17 February 2015 @ State Theatre Centre of WA

Opera Australia, Perth International Arts Festival and Melbourne Festival

Cast & Creatives

Composed by Kate Miller-Heidke

Libreto by Lally Katz

Adapted and directed by John Sheedy

Musical director, musical arrangement and additional music by Iain Grandage

Designed by Gabriela Tylesova

The Rabbits received a standing ovation at its world premiere. And it was well deserved, as the production is a triumph of theatre and collaboration.
Sinead Mangan
ABC
Pulling off a new opera, especially one aimed at young people, is perhaps the greatest artistic challenge a creative team can face in today’s classical music-averse world. That so much is achieved here is a tribute to those concerned.
Clive Paget
Limelight Magazine
The triumph of John Sheedy, Kate Miller-Heidke and Lally Katz’s adaptation of The Rabbits into an opera is that it retains both the simplicity of Marsden’s story and the character of Tan’s “parallel” world. A triumphant adaptation of a deeply tragic story. Rating: 5 stars.
Van Badham
The Guardian