GARDENER’S APPRENTICE

Gardener’s Apprentice is a participatory performance for young people 6+ and their grandparent or favourite elder that unearths the secret of nurturing each other through the seasons of life.

Developed with the support of Sydney Opera House and Carriageworks

Gardener’s Apprentice is a participatory performance for young people aged 6+ and their grandparent or favourite elder that unearths the secrets of nurturing each other through the seasons of life. 

Nini and her Nan once shared an extraordinary bond. In her magical garden, Nan would whisper stories and secrets—how she grew her ginormous garden, how to listen for the wisdom hidden in each season. But one important story was never finished. As you rediscover your own forgotten memories and share untold stories, can you help Nini remember the message her Grandma left behind? 

A one-of-a-kind intergenerational experience, this hybrid performance-workshop is designed for partners of one child and their nanna, yeye, aka, pop or favourite adult. Each pair is invited to share stories and explore movement with props, music and projection, adventuring together as the garden becomes a place of play, transformation, and imagination.  

As the garden grows, so does connection. From the quiet of winter to the joy of spring, Gardener’s Apprentice celebrates life with a promise that growth continues as long as we share our stories. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Gardener’s Apprentice is a participatory experience and light movement is required, always taken at your own pace and within your ability. Our adult Gardeners should come in comfortable clothes for some light seated movement, and our young Apprentices should come ready to take their shoes off for moving across the space, constructing visual images with their bodies, and creating special memories with their elders.

CREATIVE TEAM:
Concept/Director 
Danielle Micich

Performers
Gabrielle Chan, Mym Kwa, Lia Reutens

Video and Sound Designer
Daniel Herten

Lighting Designer
Kate Baldwin

Production Manager
Damion Holling, MiProduction

Stage Manager
Radhika Lal

Textiles and Costume Maker
Tracy Datson

Project Producer
Zoe Hollyoak

Access Consultant
Debra Keenahan

Photo by Ashley de Prazer. Featuring: Christine Pickard, Tallulah Pickard and Mym Kwa

Past events:

How To Grow Your Garden
Creative Development Showing

Presented by Sydney Opera House

13 & 15 February 2025
Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House


CREATIVE TEAM:
Concept/Director 
Danielle Micich

Associate Director, Devisor and Performer 
Elle Evangelista

Performers
Gabrielle Chan, Mym Kwa

Video and Sound Designer
David Bergman

Lighting Designer
Kate Baldwin

Production Manager

Damion Holling, MiProduction

Stage Manager
Madelaine Osborn

Costume Designer
Tracy Datson

Access Consultant
Debra Keenahan

Development Contributor 
Solomon Thomas

Currently in development and due for production in 2025. Get in touch to discover more about Gardener’s Apprentice

Force Majeure respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, seas, waterways and skies where we work and we pay our respect to Elders both past and present. We recognise that our office is located on Gadigal Land. We are privileged to gather on this Country to share knowledge, culture, art and storytelling now, and with future generations.