Deborah Cheetham Fraillon’s family opera is based on a traditional story from Wadawurrung Country explaining how a magpie created the first dawn. Long ago, the sky sat like a blanket on the land. When youngsters Tjatjarrang (Big Sister) and Koki (Brother) climb an ancient gum tree, they discover a new world and a trusty friend in Parrwang, the magpie, who lends a hand in lifting the blanket of darkness. Sarah Prestwidge, Michaela Cadwgan and Douglas Kelly, together with students from the University of Melbourne, perform with The Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra in Melbourne before two performances at the Ballarat Heritage Festival – the first time the opera has been performed on Country. Aaron Wyatt conducts Elizabeth Hill-Cooper’s new production.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Victorian Opera is once again proud to present Parrwang Lifts The Sky as part of its family and education program.

A long time ago…

The sky was a blanket on the land. The earth was in darkness and the people were afraid. If not for the courage of Parrwang the magpie, determined to assist her newfound friends, this blanket may still be with us today.

Tjatjarrang (Big Sister) and Koki (Brother) are young, adventurous and tired of living in the dark. When they manage to climb to the highest branches of an ancient gum tree, they discover a world of colour and light and a friend in Parrwang (Magpie).

Parrwang decides to help her new friends lift the blanket of darkness from the young humans world. The plan is devised but Parrwang must first convince the Great Council of Birds led by Bunjil (Eagle). Will the council agree?