The Art House Presents

A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production
EDWARD THE EMU

Based on the books by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement
Written for the stage & directed by Eva Di Cesare

The award-winning creative team from Monkey Baa Theatre Company are back with a brand-new take on another much-loved tale, Edward the Emu. More than an adaptation, this is a unique imagining of two beloved picture books, Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu, combining the plights of both emus in one heartfelt, clever and funny new tale.

Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has left him feeling glum and under the impression that the grass is greener in everyone else’s enclosure. Maybe being a seal, or a lion, or a snake might be a better option in life for a lonely bird? Convinced that the other creatures are more popular, Edward breaks ranks and goes to find the fun and along the way, finds Edwina! Written for the stage by Monkey Baa’s Artistic Director Eva Di Cesare (Diary of a Wombat, Josephine Wants to Dance) we follow the emus as they hilariously navigate their own feathered existential crises, seeking to find their place in the world. Meanwhile, unaware of the birds’ internal worlds, their human keepers are in hot pursuit to restore order to the zoo.

With exceptional, world-class puppet creation from Bryony Anderson and Alice Osborne’s puppetry direction, an original score from composer/sound designer Nate Edmondson, set and costume design by Isabel Hudson (Best Stage Design of An Independent Production, 2020 Sydney Theatre Award), lighting design by Matt Cox and inventive storytelling from Di Cesare, the emus’ journey of hijinks and tenderness leads them to discover that the best thing you can be is …. you!

Monkey Baa Theatre Company has been creating classic, much-loved productions for young people for over 20 years. Edward the Emu carries on the vision to make theatre an intrinsic part of young people’s lives with the quality, humour and heart that has made Monkey Baa a favourite of families across Australia.