NINI’S MAGICAL MEMORY GARDEN

Journey into Nini’s Magical Memory Garden, where kids take their grownups on an interactive adventure to unearth the magic of sharing stories across generations.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR TOUR!:

To enquire about bringing the garden to your venue or community, contact Executive Director, Amy Morcom

(previously titled Gardener’s Apprentice)

Journey into Nini’s Magical Memory Garden, where kids take their grownups on an interactive adventure to unearth the magic of sharing stories across generations.

Nini and her Nan once shared an extraordinary bond. In their magical garden, Nan would whisper stories and secrets about 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. ”
— Robert Love AM

A one-of-a-kind intergenerational experience, this hybrid performance-workshop is designed for partners of children and their 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.

For families looking for something special to do together, Nini’s Magical Memory Garden is a fun and exciting way to connect across generations and turn shared stories into lasting memories.

“I lost myself, inhibitions just disappeared. I loved it” – Grandma

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"Fabulous event. My 8 year old grand daughter and I both loved it."

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"The show captured my granddaughter's and my imaginations completely"

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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 〰️ "Fabulous event. My 8 year old grand daughter and I both loved it." 〰️ "The show captured my granddaughter's and my imaginations completely" 〰️ “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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.”
— audience member, “Nanna”

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

Developed with the support of Sydney Opera House and Carriageworks

NOW AVAILABLE FOR TOUR:

Bring the garden to your venue or community in 2026 and beyond! For tour specs and more info, contact Executive Director, Amy Morcom.

PAST EVENTS

  • Carriageworks and Force Majeure presents
    GARDENER’S APPRENTICE

    Carriageworks 1-4 Oct 2025

    https://carriageworks.com.au/events/gardeners-apprentice/

  • Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre and Force Majeure presents

    GARDENER’S APPRENTICE

    Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre, Picton: 10-11 Oct

    https://www.wollondillypac.com.au/whats-on/gardeners-apprentice/

  • 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

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 Bidjigal and Kameygal Country. We are privileged to gather on this Country to share knowledge, culture, art and storytelling now, and with future generations.