The Clown from Snowy River
"deBASE have mounted a tour de force …"
- Douglas Leonard, RealTime, May 2006
The Clown from Snowy River is an energetic, hilarious exploration of the Australian national identity. The Swagman, inspired by his beloved Banjo Paterson, sets out to stage the traditional version of Australian history. His clown assistant Dazza, however, intends to shed new light on the past.
Together these two clowns (one Indigenous, one non-Indigenous) attempt to present the defining moments of Australian history, from Gallipoli to the Sydney Olympics, showcasing iconic Aussies from Ned Kelly to Kylie Minogue. Created with and for young people The Clown from Snowy River is an entertaining, engaging and timely examination of reconciliation and the meaning of ‘sorry.’
"Learning about our past is critical if we are to participate actively in our future. The Clown from Snowy River is one such teaching tool that gives students opportunities to learn about their past, not in any didactic way, but in such a way that they are intrigued and eager for more knowledge. This is a must-see show … especially for SOSE and Drama."
- Sue Lawson, Arts Co-ordinator Years 7 to 12, Villanova College
The Clown from Snowy River has toured nationally. This touring production is an adaptation of the highly acclaimed 6 person production which premiered in 2006 and is published by Playlab Press. A DVD of the show with teachers resources and lesson plans is available direct from deBASE.
Written and devised by Bridget Boyle and Liz Skitch
Also co-devised with Jonathan Brand, Laurel Collins, Robert Kronk, Allen Laverty, Nadine Macdonald-Dowd and Mark Sheppard
Review
Premier Season review, Douglas Leonard, Realtime, June/July Edition 2006
Production images
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Production History
Premier season May 2006, The Judith Wright Centre for Contemporary Arts, Fortitude Valley.
(TWO PERSON VERSION)
Arts Council In-schools tour
Term 3, 2006, South East Queensland.
Term 1, 2007, Regional Queensland tour, Cairns to Brisbane.
Woodford Folk Festival December 2007
The Dreaming Festival December 2008
State Library of Queensland season January 2009
Queensland Theatre Company South West Queensland regional tour (Charleville and Cunnamulla) 2009
Sydney tour November 2009
Regional Arts Victoria Season 17–28 May (Term 2) 2010
Touring information
The Clown from Snowy River is available for tour.
Target audience: Families and general public. Suitable for Years 7 to 12 (teaching resources, workshops & curriculum links available).
Nuts & bolts for venues
Running time: 50 minutes
Number in touring party: 2 artists
Bump in: 1 hour Bump out: 1 hour
Venue: Theatres, schools or community halls (indoor venue).
Critical issues: Sound system required.
Venue technical requirements: Stage size, 4 x 4 m.
Dressing room preferable but rest rooms are adequate. General wash if available otherwise no lighting required.
Marketing materials: High quality images available on request. Professionally shot DVD (full length and trailer).
Education
Teaching resources available: Script (published by Playlab Press) and Interactive Educational DVD package (with teachers' notes). To order please contact us or complete our PUBLICATIONS ONLINE ORDER FORM.
Teachers' notes
To download The Clown from Snowy River Teachers' Notes, please click the link below. The notes accompany The Clown from Snowy River Interactive Educational DVD Package. PLEASE NOTE: You will need the access key (on the back of your DVD cover) to access the PDF content.
DOWNLOAD TEACHERS' NOTES PDF (350kb)
Curriculum Links:
(Queensland) Indigenous Studies, Australian History, Physical Comedy, SOSE
(Victoria) Civics and Citizenship, Communication, English, Personal Learning, The Arts, The Humanities; History, Thinking Processes
