Windmill Theatre Co. is back with a brand-new adventure, Moss Piglet, bringing to life the fascinating world of tardigrades, the tiny yet resilient creatures capable of surviving extreme conditions. We sat down with Clare Watson, the creative mind behind the show, to discover what inspired her to introduce these microscopic heroes to the stage.
In this exclusive interview, Clare shares how humour, puppetry, and a message of resilience come together in this fun-filled, imaginative performance aimed at kids—and tardigrade fans of all ages.
Q. Moss Piglet introduces young audiences to the extraordinary world of tardigrades. What inspired you to bring these resilient little creatures to the stage?
A. Everyone needs to know about tardigrades! In making this show we’ve found that kids know about them more than adults, but for the most part they’re relatively unknown. They’ve survived multiple extinction events and can endure extremes that would obliterate most living things. That resilience inspired me. They’re a perfect metaphor for survival, and their tiny size juxtaposed with their immense strength makes them the perfect hero.
Q. The show promises a mix of humour, puppetry, and epic landscapes. What can kids (and tardigrade fans of all ages) expect from this wild, microscopic adventure?
A. Expect the unexpected! Moss Piglet takes audiences through deserts, ice tundras, an active volcano and even to the moon! All through the lens of puppetry, green screen magic, and dance. We’ve played with scale in really fun ways, using tiny puppets and also massive ones! It’s a hilarious, highly visual work and just a bit bonkers.
Q. Tardigrades have a surprising cult following, from science enthusiasts to tattoo lovers! What do you think makes them so captivating and relatable for people?
A. So many reasons! Partly because they’re that wonderful, ugly kind of adorable. People also love the idea that this tiny, unassuming creature is practically invincible—it taps into something empowering, something hopeful.
Q. The message of resilience is central to Moss Piglet. How did you and your creative team incorporate this theme into the show in a way that speaks to children?
This is a show about hope, curiosity and resilience. And the key to resilience is being prepared to take the next best step, and for kids, that’s a powerful message. In Moss Piglet, we follow our tardigrade as it faces one absurd challenge after another, from extreme heat to intense cold, yet it always finds a way to push on. It’s a show about a superhero… and our superhero isn’t fast, isn’t strong, isn’t clever… our superhero just knows when to take a well timed nap and how to keep putting one foot in front of the other. We hope that the show will inspire the tenacity, curiosity and playfulness in our audience.
Q. You’ve worked on many exciting productions in your career. How does Moss Piglet compare to your past projects, and what has been the most enjoyable part of bringing it to life?
A. This is the first time I’ve worked with puppets! And green screen! It’s been an absolute privilege working with such a talented and audacious team of creatives. I’ve had a very long, collaborative working relationship with many of our creatives. Together we’ve really been pushing every element. There’s been giggling and deep thinking daily. It’s definitely an ambitious work, we really want to show kids how boundless the possibilities of live performance can be.
Q. Windmill Theatre Company is known for pushing creative boundaries. How does Moss Piglet continue this tradition, and what are you most excited for audiences to experience in this world premiere?
A. Windmill has always been about innovation and great storytelling. We’re using everything from live-feed cameras and green screen effects to shadow puppetry to create a world that feels both epic and intimate. What excites me most is how audiences will experience these shifts in perspective—one moment you’re peering into a microscopic world, and the next you’re face to face with a giant Moss Piglet. It’s a show that’s playful, thought-provoking, and visually surprising, and I can’t wait to share this adventure with our young audience!
Moss Piglet
11th – 20th of October, 2024
Space Theatre, Adelaide
To book tickets:
