Jane Sheldon’s poem for a dried up river melds opera, poetry, physical theatre and art installation in a mesmerising, unique combination. Alice Oswald’s text about a figurine of a naiad trying to coax water from a bed of limestone ‘unfolds like a cry of environmental despair’. Sheldon’s exquisite palette of musical colours plays on contrasts: dry and wet, weak and strong, barren and fecund. Elizabeth Gadsby’s powerful installation mirrors the nymph’s exertions with the unrolling of a 200kg path of clay. Jane Sheldon reunites with Sydney Chamber Opera for another collaboration filled with detail and nuance, and a profound sense of connection.
Please note, this event is a complete lockout – latecomers will not be admitted.
Australian premiere
Image: Gretchen Robinette
Wed 6 Jan, 6pm
Thu 7 Jan, 6pm
Fri 8 Jan, 6pm
Sat 9 Jan, 3pm
Sun 10 Jan, 3pm
General Admission Full Price: $39 +fee
General Admission Concession: $35 +fee
A transaction fee of $5.15 applies to all bookings.
Complete lockout – latecomers will not be admitted.
Music Jane Sheldon
Text Alice Oswald
Installation Elizabeth Gadsby
Carriageworks is a registered COVID-Safe business. To ensure the wellbeing of our visitors, we are following strict guidelines set by NSW State Government and Live Performance Australia. Help us keep everyone safe by reading our COVID-Safe Plan before your next visit.
In line with recent regulations, all visitors are required to wear a mask in the public space, Bay 21 Exhibition and in the theatre spaces. Thank you for keeping our community safe.
Presented by Sydney Chamber Opera, Carriageworks and Sydney Festival.
