More than 2.5 million children across South Australia have participated in DreamBIG Children’s Festival since it began in 1974 (as Come Out Festival). Next month, DreamBIG is celebrating its 50th anniversary with 10 days of music, storytelling, interactive play and more at Adelaide Festival Centre.
A cherished part of growing up in our state, DreamBIG places young audiences at the centre of inventive, imaginative, and inspiring arts experiences. This year’s program features more than 70 shows, activities, and exhibitions for young people and their families.
Wield a giant marionette in String Symphony, collect items for a time capsule in The Museum of the Everyday, use flowers as instruments in The Plants, and draw on the walls, ceiling and floor in Scribble Zone, when the beloved Big Family Weekend returns from May 10 – 11, with free events for children of all ages across Adelaide Festival Centre and Festival Plaza.
Two Australian picture books will come to life on the Dunstan Playhouse stage with tinsel queen Rachel Burke’s Fancy Long Legs, a glittery and vibrant adventure about a spider who loves to create, and IMAGINE LIVE, an enchanting interactive performance exploring the wonders of our natural world, based on Alison Lester’s iconic bestseller.
Another highlight for young audiences is Zindzi & The Zillionaires, a musical adventure featuring Play School host and hip-hop artist Zindzi and her fluffy friends The Zillies.
At the State Library of South Australia, local artist Stephen Noonan will present his award-winning, non-verbal performance for preschoolers, the Boy & the Ball, and Japanese folklore traditions and contemporary storytelling will come together in Little Bozu and Kon Kon, a story of self-acceptance and empathy through the unlikely duo of a raccoon and a fox.
International shows include The Bookbinder, an original dark fairytale full of mystery, magic and mayhem, from New Zealand’s award-winning Trick of the Light Theatre, and Mini SPIN, an interactive dance event from the UK, hosted by three Deaf hosts and a DJ – Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Children of Deaf Adults and hearing children all welcome.
Sensorium Theatre, Australia’s leading theatre company making work specifically designed for young audiences with disability and their friends, invites children inside the Wonderbox, an immersive multi-sensory wonderland where each child is given the opportunity to find a magical version of themselves.
In Space Theatre, Whalebone is a thrilling roller-coaster ride combining humour, magic and circus, devised and performed by award-winning clown, inventor and comedian Jens Altheimer, and The Princess, The Pea and the Brave Escapee is a stunning reimagination of the much-loved fairytale, featuring live classical music performed by Australia Chamber Orchestra musicians.
Closing out the festival, discover the future of South Australian music at Garageband, a multi-stage event at Festival Plaza showcasing up to 15 young local bands. Part block party, part live music show – this will be a performance the audience and young musicians will never forget!
DreamBIG Festival is from 7 to 17 May, presented by Adelaide Festival Centre. More information at dreambig.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
