Known affectionately as ‘Water Bears’ or ‘Moss Piglets’, these resilient creatures have captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike, surviving multiple extinction events and thriving in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth – and beyond. Bear Grylls has nothing on these little critters.
With a surprising cult following (just Google ‘tardigrade tattoos’), Moss Piglet is a playful and thrilling new work about how even the tiniest of things can be the strongest. Think Bruce Willis in Die Hard… but teeny tiny… with eight legs… who loves moss.
Young audiences will travel across epic landscapes, from jelly-filled petri dishes to the fiery depths of a volcano, from icy Arctic glaciers to the moon. Wildly weird, a little bit creepy, but also kind of cute, Moss Piglet unravels the mysteries of the extraordinarily indestructible tardigrade.
“The world of the tardigrade is a perfect metaphor for resilience and tenacity,” says Director and Co-Creator, Clare Watson, “These creatures are mind-blowingly amazing. They were amongst the first creatures on Earth and their resilience is incomparable. Everyone needs to know about tardigrades! We wanted to make a show that’s wildly entertaining and reminds kids that being small can be a superpower. The creative team are exceptional – such talent and ingenuity – it’s been an absolute blast to make”.
The creative team includes Clare Watson (Director and Co-Creator), Elena Carapetis (Co-Creator), Gareth Davies (Co-Creator and Performer), Dylan Miller (Performer), Meg Wilson (Set and Costume Design), Chris Petridis and Richard Vabre (Lighting Design), Luke Smiles (Composition and Sound Design), Michael Carmody (AV Design), Larissa McGowan (Movement Consultant) and Nathan O’Keefe and Jonathon Oxlade (Puppetry Directors).
Co-Creator, Elena Carapetis, adds, “Bringing these tiny yet mighty creatures to the stage has been a wild ride. Their ability to overcome difficulty is a story that resonates with everyone, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
Alongside the production, located in the Space Theatre foyer, will be a free, interactive exhibition lead by local visual artist, Emmaline Zannelli in collaboration with Liam Somerville and Max Brading.
Windmill Theatre Company has a reputation for pushing creative boundaries, and Moss Piglet is no exception. With exquisite puppetry, engaging storytelling, and a heavy splash of humour, this world premiere promises microscopic, action-packed fun.
A Windmill Theatre Company production presented in association with Adelaide Festival Centre.
Moss Piglet
11th – 20th of October, 2024
Space Theatre, Adelaide
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