The Clown from Snowy River
The Clown from Snowy River is an energetic, hilarious exploration of the Australian national identity presented by the critically acclaimed deBASE Productions. The Swagman, inspired by his beloved Banjo Paterson, sets out to stage the traditional version of Australian history. His clown assistant Dazza, however, intends to shed new light on the past (and get his own scene in!)
Together these two clowns (one Indigenous, one non-Indigenous) attempt to present the defining moments of Australian history, from Gallipoli to the Sydney Olympics. Showcasing iconic Aussies from Ned Kelly to Kylie Minogue. Created with and for young people it is an entertaining, engaging and timely examination of reconciliation and the meaning of ‘sorry.’
The Clown from Snowy River has toured nationally. This touring production is an adaptation of the highly acclaimed 6 person production which premiered in 2006 and is published by Playlab Press.
A DVD of the show with teachers resources and lesson plans is available direct from deBASE.
“deBASE have mounted a tour de force…” (Douglas Leonard, RealTime, May 2006)
For more on deBase, click here.
Please Note: The 2010 production of this work is modified for two performers as opposed to six.
Artforms: Circus, Drama, Literature
Key Themes: Australian History, Commedia D'el Arte, Clowning
Specific VELS:
Civics and Citizenship - Community Engagement
The Arts - Exploring and Responding
English - Speaking and Listening
LOTE - Intercultural Knowledge and Awareness
Humanities - Historical Reasoning and Interpretation
Communication - Listening, Viewing and Responding
Thinking - ALL
VCE Links:
Theatre Studies - Unit 1-4 - Commedia Dell'Arte, Stagecraft, non-Naturalism
Drama - Unit 1-4 - Expressive Skills, Stagecraft, Australian Drama, non-Naturalism
English Language - Unit 4 - Spoken English Texts
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ON THE ROAD: Clowns take Banjo Paterson on a wild ride!
- deBase Productions Metro: 17th May 10 to 28th May 10
- Term: Term 2
- Duration: 50 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A
- Suitability: Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12
- Cost per student: $6 + GST
- Minimum Fee: $780 + GST
- Maximum Student Attendance: 300
- VELS: Civics and Citizenship, Communication, English, Personal Learning, The Arts, The Humanities - History, Thinking Processes
Regional: 17th May 10 to 28th May 10
