Saltbush

Insite Arts and Compagnia TPO present 
Saltbush
An immersive and interactive journey through Australia’s First Nations culture

Saltbush centres on the journey of two friends and their spiritual guide as they travel on foot, across Country – river country, an urban landscape, desert, and the sea. The journey is one of discovering the land, growing an understanding, and acknowledging how it shapes and inspires personal journeys.

Through its use of sensor and infrared cameras, Saltbush allows young audiences to interact, play and perform in the show.

“Children’s theatre doesn’t get any better than this... the perfect fusion of dance, art and breathtaking digital design.” - Sunday Mail 

Image: Tiffany Garvie 

Saltbush is a plant that can be found across Australia and so it represents a common thread between Indigenous nations and First Nations peoples. This shared idea acted as a point of inspiration for the narrative, contemporary painting, dance, and instrumental music created by First Nations artists. These artistic forms were used as a means of interpreting the natural features of the landscape in an Indigenous mythological context.

Saltbush centres on the journey of two friends and their spiritual guide on foot as they cross Australian landscapes – river country, an urban landscape, desert, and the sea. The journey is one of discovering the land, growing an understanding, and acknowledging how it shapes and inspires personal journeys. 

Through its use of sensor and infrared cameras, Saltbush allows young audiences to interact, play and perform in the show. It also provides a unique experience for parents and teachers as they witness the children become involved.  

TPO’s award winning artistry in multi-media theatre for young people is combined with the work of acclaimed First Nations artists working with members of the TPO company – composer Lou Bennett (Yorta Yorta/ Dja Dja Wurrung) with Spartaco Cortesi (Italy), visual artist Delwyn Mannix (Wangkangurru) with Digital Designer: Elsa Mersi & Rossano Monti (Italy), choreography Deon Hastie (Tjapukai) with Anna Balducci, Sasha Zahra (dramaturgy) with artistic direction of Insite Arts director Jason Cross and TPO director Davide Venturini. 

Age suitability: Early Years to Year 4