The Song Catchers

23 Oct

An uplifting musical adventure of friendship and discovery!

In the foxes' city of Hillside, songs are trapped, stored, and consumed as energy. Young Tipu the fox was raised as a Song Catcher, but harbours a secret: his echidna friend Marri holds a true, living song. When Tipu betrays his friend by handing over Marri's living song, he unleashes a chain of events that forces them both to flee into the Albany bush. Through tangled truths and tested friendships, their adventure explores what it means to find your voice and to hope for a better shared future together.

This heartfelt tale was inspired by conversations and workshops with Menang Noongar Elders alongside the Breaksea Youth Writers' Group. Co-produced by West Australian Opera and Breaksea as a cornerstone event for Albany 2026, the production places young regional voices at the heart of a new Australian story, featuring the Breaksea Youth Ensemble alongside an all-star professional cast.

The Song Catchers blends live performance with immersive animation and an incredible original score by Jarred Wall. This dynamic music theatre adventure examines the healing power of music, promising to resonate deeply with audiences as they embark on a journey to the mythical Listening Tree.

Tickets

Director / Librettist - Matt Reuben James Ward
Conductor / Arranger - Pia Harris
Composer - Jarred Wall
Set & Costume Design - Fiona Bruce
Animation Design - Sohan Ariel Hayes
Lighting Design - Lucy Birkinshaw
Cultural Liaison Officer - Rachael Colmer
This project is made possible with support from West Australian Opera, Menang Noongar Elders, Lotterywest, City of Albany, WA Government, Creative Australia, and Wesfarmers Arts
Breaksea acknowledges and thanks its ongoing program sponsors: The Government of Western Australia, the City of Albany, Lotterywest / Healthway, the Kids Research Institute Australia, SEW ARTS and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.