Beetle
LEGS ON THE WALL
A new work for families from acclaimed physical theatre artists Legs On The Wall
Even the smallest voices matter.
A new Australian classic, Beetle tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for the now elusive Christmas Beetle.
The magic of the Australian bush is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood.
A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us.
This charming, nostalgic and uniquely Australian show invites children and families to join the adventure, encountering larger than life beetles, stick insects, and other bush critters while finding out about the uncanny nature and delicate balance of the bush environment.
Commissioned by the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) and The Art House — Wyong
Beetle contains a flickering light effect (not strobe lighting) two times early in the performance, and also uses theatrical haze or smoke.
Credits
Concept by Joshua Thomson
Created and Directed by Joshua Thomson & Kate Walder
Illustrations by Freya Blackwood
Music by Jessica Dunn
Costume Design by Melanie Gillbank
Scenic Art by ERTH, incorporating recycled set pieces from prior Legs productions
Performed by Christy Tran, Lloyd Allison-Young & Olivia Hadley
Campaign photography by Nick Bowers
About the Artists
The thriving heart of physical theatre in Australia, Legs On The Wall are known nationally and internationally for their bold exuberance and death-defying acts, as they tell poignant stories with depth and humour.
Celebrating the capacity of the physical body in motion, Legs use physical metaphor through narrative text-based, visual and abstract story telling; working across disciplines, with artists from theatre, physical theatre, circus, dance, design, music and more.
Having performed all over the world, Legs will always be known for their bold, visually breathtaking performances of scale and intimacy, for audiences from their tens to their hundreds of thousands.
Legs On The Wall are supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
“Legs On The Wall blasts physical theatre into a new and triumphant dimension.”
“Legs On The Wall is renowned for their use of visual spectacle to confront hard issues and prompt deeper reflection.”
“A physical performance group with an Aussie cultural identity and a fearless bravado.”
