THE SWALLOWS

Clues beckon. Constant yearning. And lately my shoulder blades have been hurting.
Almost like they want to sprout wings…

AUSTRALIA PREMIERE    6 -16 June 2024,  La Mama HQ, Melbourne Australia

From an intricate universe of sound, objects and voice performed by actor Helen Morse, vocalist/musician Ria Soemardjo and cellist Helen Mountfort, the story of Aunty emerges. Empowered by connection with nature through her daily walks, she is ready to fly from the pressures of her built up environment, childhood memories and old patterns. But the landscape, altered and damaged by her ancestors, demands attention. And the calling of forgotten creeks running deep below in pipes is loud. Eventually it will take over.

Creative Team
​Writer/Director
Sandra Fiona Long
Performer/Co-Creators
Ria Soemardjo, Helen Morse, Helen Mountfort
Composition/Sound Design
Ria Soemardjo and Helen Mountfort
Designer
Joanne Mott
Lighting designer
Shane Grant
Script Development Collaborator
Helen Morse
Production manager/creative logistics
Cole McKenna
Assistant stage manager/Operator
Aaron Carey-Long
Video documentation & edit
Takeshi Kondo
Producer
Kath Papas Productions
with Kath Papas and Taka Takiguchi
Image by Darren Gill


More Info >

​Reviews
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Rich sensory theatrical experience”
– Theatre Now

“An arc that goes from wonder and sensation to quiet despair and then to the return of hope”
– Stage Whispers

“Wry, understated text, tuned, & with multifaceted light”
– Tony Reck

“Truly spectacular. Transforming. Inspirational. Immersive.”
– Chris McNulty

“Evocative and dreamy atmospheres made vivid through set designs from Jo Mott and enthralling lead performance from Helen Morse weaving multiple human and more-than-human characters under, and up into, Melbourne’s suburban skies.”
– John Power
​
“Just saw this and was absolutely blown away. A truly incredible show.”
– Audience member