The Red Shoe

Part of

Canberra Living Artists Week

Stunning visual theatre about spies, sisters and the impact big events have on little people.

This August Jigsaw Theatre Company presents The Red Shoe, the much anticipated adaptation of Ursula Dubosarsky's award winning novel. Following on from the success of Emma's Dynasty in 2007 (winner of the Canberra Critics' Circle Award for Theatre), Jigsaw again presents a major in-theatre production at The Street Theatre, engaging local and national artists to create a multi-sensory masterpiece.

The Red Shoe explores the story of three sisters growing up on Sydney's Palm Beach in 1954. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the adaptation explores the human drive to find ways to make sense of our surroundings. Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale, the Petrov affair, and the continuing aftershocks of a world war intermingle in this richly layered exploration of a family's secrets and ultimate redemption.

Growing up "in a house far away... deep in the bush", there are many things six-year-old Matilda doesn't understand: Why is her father away so much? Are the mysterious men who moved into the house next door really spies? Why doesn't her older sister, Elizabeth who suffered a "nervous breakdown", ever want to go back to school? Why won't her middle-sister, Frances, say much and how can she win the pet prize at school for her sad mother with the beautiful hair?

The novel has won the Queensland Premier's Literary Award, New South Wales Literary Award, Honour Book - Children's Book Council of Australia and was selected for National Reading Day, captivating teachers and students alike. Jigsaw Theatre Company's Artistic Director Kate Shearer has adapted the work for the stage, honouring the novel while transforming the story into a theatrical marvel.

The inspired set by Designer Jo Briscoe features a life-sized tree that dominates the stage and a sandscape that transports the audience to Sydney's beaches. Video design by Rolando Ramos features newsreels, documentaries and home movies from sources such as the National Film and Sound Archive.

The Red Shoe is a funny, fierce yet tender; award winning treat that should not be missed.

Writer: Ursula Dubosarsky Adaptor/Director: Kate Shearer Dramaturg: Chris Mead Designer: Jo Briscoe Video Designer: Rolando Ramos Lighting Designer: Matt Cox Sound Designer: Kimmo Vennonen With: Andrea Close, Naomi Brouwer, Caroline O'Brien, Kate Sherman, PJ Williams

For: Anyone over the age of 10

Date: 28 August - 9 September

Time: Mon, Tues (10.30am, 1pm) Wed, Fri (10.30am, 7.30pm) Sat (7.30pm)

Media enquiries: Call Naomi Lane on 6247 6800 or 0418 414 701 or e-mail her at naomi@jigsawtheatre.com.au

Presented by: Jigsaw Theatre Company