Abstract
Adapted and produced by Slingsby Theatre Company (Adelaide, South Australia); Previewed at the Adelaide Festival 2024, and will premiere at Adelaide Festival 2026.
Imagine stepping into an illustrated collection of fairytale-inspired worlds. Each contains a magical and hope-inspiring tale where fears are confronted, truths are wrinkled out, and themes both timeless and contemporary are explored. Three self-contained original stories, inspired by classic fairytales, intertwine and layer as a meaningful triptych. A Concise Compendium of Wonder examines humanity’s shifting relationship with nature across almost 2,000 years. The Tree of Light is the first instalment in this triptych of works.
Written by award-winning Australian author Ceridwen Dovey, The Tree of Light is a radical reimagining to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl. Set in the year 3099, when humans find themselves stranded on the Moon, this powerful and magical tale will transport audiences into the darkness of space. Offering hope for a return to our home planet and the chance to reconnect with lush forests. An invitation to once more live within nature, not separate from the natural world.
Following development in early 2024, incorporating two weeks of performances for schools audiences along with an Adelaide Festival 2024 preview season, The Tree of Light will premiere in 2026 as the third piece of the completed triptych. The development period allowed Slingsby to learn from student’s responses to the work, and provided a unique opportunity to bring our schools audiences on a multi-year journey leading up to the world premiere of the completed triptych.
Imagine stepping into an illustrated collection of fairytale-inspired worlds. Each contains a magical and hope-inspiring tale where fears are confronted, truths are wrinkled out, and themes both timeless and contemporary are explored. Three self-contained original stories, inspired by classic fairytales, intertwine and layer as a meaningful triptych. A Concise Compendium of Wonder examines humanity’s shifting relationship with nature across almost 2,000 years. The Tree of Light is the first instalment in this triptych of works.
Written by award-winning Australian author Ceridwen Dovey, The Tree of Light is a radical reimagining to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl. Set in the year 3099, when humans find themselves stranded on the Moon, this powerful and magical tale will transport audiences into the darkness of space. Offering hope for a return to our home planet and the chance to reconnect with lush forests. An invitation to once more live within nature, not separate from the natural world.
Following development in early 2024, incorporating two weeks of performances for schools audiences along with an Adelaide Festival 2024 preview season, The Tree of Light will premiere in 2026 as the third piece of the completed triptych. The development period allowed Slingsby to learn from student’s responses to the work, and provided a unique opportunity to bring our schools audiences on a multi-year journey leading up to the world premiere of the completed triptych.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Slingsby Theatre Company |
| Size | 70 min |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Externally published | Yes |