Sometimes it’s the quiet ones that speak volumes.
U.K. based Tall Stories company brings their production of The Snow Dragon to the Sydney Opera House for the October school holidays. It’s not the brightest or loudest production you’ll see. The 3-person ensemble isn’t the largest cast, and the set and costumes aren’t the shiniest. But, in its lovely simplicity, the story speaks volumes.
It is New Year’s Eve and, in the forest, young Billy Goat is awaiting a visit from the Snow Dragon, a Santa Claus figure who will leave him a gift while he is sleeping, if he leaves some berries in exchange. Billy’s parents decide that he is old enough to go out berry collecting on his own, warning him to be home before dark, lest he run into any wolves.
Billy’s parents are also firm believers that “life is fun when you’re number one.” This causes Billy to act rather unkindly to his forest friends, a hedgehog collecting mushrooms to leave for his “Snow Unicorn,” and a pig trying to fill a bag of acorns for her “Snow Goblin.” Taking their treasures and leaving them high and dry, Billy never finds any berries, but he does have a run in with a pair of wolves, who consider eating him for dinner, but instead decide to teach him a lesson about the being kind to others. (For parents of young children – the wolves are not at all scary).
Billy backtracks, making things right with friends, and returning home with no berries. This is definitely not “number one” behaviour in his parents eyes, and he goes to bed without dinner and little hope of the Snow Dragon visiting. In a beautiful ending, all comes right for Billy, thanks to his newfound understanding of generosity.
The ensemble brings the story to life in storytelling style, with just a few, carefully chosen props and costume pieces. The action is lively, with plenty of light humour, energetic songs, and a lot of audience participation encouraged. I asked Miss 5 if she was bored in any parts and she told me, “no, not at all!”.
The Snow Dragon is recommended for ages 3+. I think kids up to about age 8 would enjoy the production. It’s a gentle fable with a classic moral and a sprinkle of magic.
The Snow Dragon runs through 12 October at the Sydney Opera House.
Find shows and other arts activities for the remained of the October school holidays on our activities guide!