What do parents and one of Earth’s toughest tiny creatures have in common? Turns out, quite a bit.
Windmill Production Company (formerly known as Windmill Theatre Company) is bringing its award-winning work, Moss Piglet, to the Space Theatre from 1 to 2 May, a show inspired by one of Earth’s toughest (and tiniest) critters: the tardigrade. Known as “water bears” or “moss piglets,” these extraordinary creatures can survive extreme heat, freezing temperatures, radiation and even the vacuum of space.
For Director and Co-Creator Clare Watson, that level of resilience isn’t just scientifically fascinating, it’s deeply human. “The world of the tardigrade is a perfect metaphor for resilience,” she says. “We wanted to make a show that’s pure entertainment while reminding kids that being small can be a superpower.”
So, in the spirit of these indomitable little guys, we asked the parents of Windmill to share their personal parenting survival tips.
Clare, Artistic Director, keeps it simple: “Two words: Jar. Pesto.”
Kaye, Executive Director, swears by a tried-and-true analogy: “The best piece of parenting advice I’ve heard is that when your kids are little you have to be like a dog, enthusiastic and ever-present. When they hit the teen years, you need to turn into the cat. Still there but cool, letting them come to you when they’re ready. It’s so true!”
Tim, Executive Producer, takes a more philosophical approach: “You can’t be like a rock, you have to be like water.”
Sarah, Development and Marketing Executive, has two non-negotiables: “Food and music! Always have car snacks and frozen meals at the ready! Also, when you go on a family holiday or to a sports game, let your kids be the car DJ to hype everyone up.”
Karina, Associate Producer, offers a reframe for the hard days: “One thing I try to remind myself is that parenting is only hard for good parents! It’s a mindset that has certainly helped me in my first year as a new mum.”
Michelle, Business Manager, has one very firm rule: “If you find underwear on the floor, don’t, and I repeat, do not sniff test. Just put it in the wash.”
Gemma, Administration and Finance Officer, rounds out the tips with a couple of gems: “Eye Spy In My Minds Eye is a unique variant to the original and especially good for nighttime travel. Also, can’t go wrong with placing a child in a box with crayons, it’ll allow for five, even ten minutes of peace!”
Moss Piglet is a reminder that resilience doesn’t have to be loud or heroic. Sometimes, it looks like getting through the day, adapting to the unexpected and finding strength in small things. Or, as the tardigrade might say: keep going!
Moss Piglet
Friday 1 May at 6pm and Saturday 2 May at 10am and 12.30pm
Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
For ages 5+
Tickets: Adult $35, Child/concession $30, Family (2 adult + 2 child or 1 adult + 3 child) $120.
Tickets available via 131 246 or online via Ticketek.