One of Australia’s most recognisable children’s books is set to make the leap from page to stage when Where Is the Green Sheep? arrives at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse in September as part of a nationwide tour spanning 80 venues over the next two years.
Based on the bestselling picture book by Judy Horacek and Mem Fox, the production combines puppetry, animation and live performance to recreate the colourful world that has captivated young readers for more than two decades. The book has sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide and remains a fixture in homes, libraries and classrooms across Australia and beyond.
Running from 22 to 26 September, the 45-minute production follows three farmers as they search for the elusive green sheep, meeting a cast of playful characters along the way, including Blue Sheep, Red Sheep, Bath Sheep and Bed Sheep.
The stage adaptation grew from a creative development process at Arts Centre Melbourne and was created through a collaboration between Monkey Baa Theatre Company, Judy Horacek and theatre programmers. Directed by Eva Di Cesare, the work aims to stay true to the spirit of the original book while expanding its world for a live audience.
Horacek, who was closely involved in the production, said bringing the story to the stage had required careful thought and collaboration.
“From the first tiny green sheep I drew years ago, to making the book with Mem with its beloved flock of quirky sheep, to me being part of the team bringing the book to the stage, has been an incredible experience,” she said.
“We’ve created a play that is very true to the book, but at the same time full of wonderful new surprises.”
She also highlighted the contribution of puppet maker Kay Yasugu, noting that the design process extended beyond appearance to ensuring the puppets could perform effectively on stage.
Arts Centre Melbourne Acting Head of Creative Engagement Mary Harvey said the project had been a natural fit for the venue’s family-focused programming.
Harvey recalled early discussions with Horacek about adapting the book and said Monkey Baa Theatre Company brought valuable experience in translating children’s literature for younger audiences.
The production also includes contributions from students at Bankstown West Public School, whose recorded voices feature as narrators throughout the performance. The creative team says the inclusion was intended to reflect children’s perspectives within the story’s theatrical world.
Alongside public performances, Arts Centre Melbourne will host dedicated sessions for kindergarten and primary school students, widening access to the production for younger audiences.
The Melbourne season will include a relaxed performance designed for audience members who may benefit from a more flexible theatre environment, as well as an Auslan-interpreted performance.
Where Is the Green Sheep? forms part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Families and Children Program, which has presented local and international theatre works for young audiences since 2009. The production is a co-production between Monkey Baa Theatre Company and QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival, in association with Arts Centre Melbourne, Sydney Opera House and The Art House, Wyong.
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