Shows

Tales from the Flyway

Tales from the Flyway is a storytelling show I developed with violinist Sarah Depasquale. Sarah and I share a love of wetlands and birds, especially those found at our doorstep in Hobsons Bay.

Together we will take you on a journey following the path of migratory shore birds, from south-east Australia to Siberia, along the East Asian Australasian Flyway. The show is playful and occasionally enlightening.

The tales

The structure of Tales from the Flyway is simple. If we were to fly with the birds and visit the chain of wetlands in the countries along the Flyway, what stories might we hear? I’ve collected stories from Indonesia, Thailand and Siberia and Sarah has woven them together with Vivaldi, Bach, Massenet and pieces she has composed especially.

Our final story is a kamishibai that has been passed down the Flyway from the Yatsu-Higata Observation Centre in Japan, to Boondall Wetlands in Brisbane (2008) and then on to us for telling in Hobsons Bay (2015). Receiving this story is a confirmation that there are people who see the big picture and don’t allow obstacles to get in the way of an idea.

Thanks

We thank Yatsu-Higata, Brisbane City Council and the Rangers at Boondall Wetlands.

Tales from the Flyway recognises the work of Friends Groups, rangers and individuals who work to maintain the wetlands, not just in Melbourne’s west but all along the Flyway.

Duration

50 minutes

Requirements

• We travel with a small battery powered amp and mikes for small small gigs where sound is needed.

For audiences under 80 people:

• 4 metre x 3 metre space – preferably raised if the seating is flat

• no amplification required

For audiences over 80 people we need:

• 4 metre x 3 metre space – preferably raised if the seating is flat

• Digital projector for images

• Radio mike for Jackie and a mike on a stand for Sarah

Cost

Available on enquiry

The show is suitable for an inter-generational audience and ideal for festivals.

Images

See Photos page for hi-resolution photos.

Launch of Tales from the Flyway at the Williamstown Literary Festival 2015

The tale of Tom the Red-necked Stint kindly recorded by Kerry Saxby at the Melbourne Theater Company studios, supporting artists during the time of Covid-19. This kamishibai story was created by volunteers at the Yatsu-higata Nature Observation Centre, Narashino. The story cards are available for use in educational settings. HERE