GARDENER’S APPRENTICE
Gardener’s Apprentice is a magical storytelling adventure for young people 5+ and their grandparent or favourite elder that unearths the secret of nurturing each other through the seasons of life.
Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre
10-11 Oct 2025
Carriageworks
1-4 Oct 2025
Developed with the support of Sydney Opera House and Carriageworks
Gardener’s Apprentice is a magical storytelling adventure for young people aged 5+ 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?
“Everyone should visit this garden of movement and joy – it will positively change lives. ”
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 grownup. 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.
“I lost myself, inhibitions just disappeared. I loved it” – Grandma
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“My favourite part was the dancing.” – audience member, age 6
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“I learnt that Poppy likes to do cricket.” – audience member, age 8
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“those that watched… were palpably changed…we all felt very uplifted” - Julieanne Campbell
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“I lost myself, inhibitions just disappeared. I loved it” – Grandma 〰️ “My favourite part was the dancing.” – audience member, age 6 〰️ “I learnt that Poppy likes to do cricket.” – audience member, age 8 〰️ “those that watched… were palpably changed…we all felt very uplifted” - Julieanne Campbell 〰️
WHAT TO EXPECT:
During this unique experience you'll be in the company of others but your pair (or trio) will have your own dedicated working space: your “garden bed”. The atmosphere will be intimate, with sharing happening only within your pair (or trio) through relaxed conversations together. This process is designed to deepen the relationship between generations, so you can expect plenty of laughter and fun.
FAQs
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While this experience is designed with grandparents and grandchildren in mind, kids are welcome to bring any special grown-up — a parent, auntie, godparent, neighbour, or family friend.
It is designed to deepen intergenerational connections, whatever that means for your family.
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Gardener’s Apprentice is an accessible, participatory experience and light movement is required, always taken at your own pace and within your ability. All abilities and access requirements are welcome.
You won't be required to do anything you're uncomfortable with, and you'll always have the best seat in the house if you prefer to observe or remain seated for the duration.
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Our grownup 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.
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During this unique experience you'll be in the company of others but your pair will have your own dedicated working space: your “garden bed”. The atmosphere will be intimate, with sharing happening only within your pair through relaxed conversations together. This process is designed to deepen the relationship between intergenerational pairs, so you can expect plenty of laughter and fun.
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Gardener’s Apprentice is best experienced by a pair of one young child (age 5+) and one elder, but we can also accommodate trios.
Each ticket is for a pair or trio who will participate together.
A maximum of 2 children can be paired with one adult.
Observer Only tickets can also be purchased if your party includes a parent/carer who does not wish to participate.
All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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Absolutely! The experience will be unique to you and your pair and what you create and share together. You can return with the same pair to go deeper, or a different pairing to discover something entirely new. You are always welcome in the garden.
“The structure, the story...you could feel the inhibitions just being shed off you because you got involved in the story. Movement just came. Honestly, I loved it.”
BOOK NOW!
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BOOK NOW! 〰️
CREATIVE TEAM:
Concept/Director Danielle Micich
Performers Gabrielle Chan, Mym Kwa, Lia Reutens
Composer, Sound and Video Designer Daniel Herten
Video Design Contributor David Bergman
Lighting Designer Kate Baldwin
Lighting Consultant Matt Cox
Associate Designer Meg Anderson
Costume Designer & Maker; Textiles Maker Tracy Datson
Production Manager Damion Holling, MiProduction
Stage Manager Angélique Riou
Project Producer Zoe Hollyoak
Access Consultant Debra Keenahan
Photo by Ashley de Prazer. Featuring: Christine Pickard, Tallulah Pickard and Mym Kwa
BOOK NOW:
Get your tickets to Gardener’s Apprentice, coming this October school holidays!
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How To Grow Your Garden
Creative Development ShowingPresented by Sydney Opera House
13 & 15 February 2025
Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House
CREATIVE TEAM:
Concept/Director
Danielle MicichAssociate Director, Devisor and Performer
Elle EvangelistaPerformers
Gabrielle Chan, Mym KwaVideo and Sound Designer
David BergmanLighting Designer
Kate BaldwinProduction Manager
Damion Holling, MiProduction
Stage Manager
Madelaine OsbornCostume Designer
Tracy DatsonAccess Consultant
Debra KeenahanDevelopment Contributor
Solomon Thomas
Currently in development and due for production in 2025. Get in touch to discover more about Gardener’s Apprentice