MEDIA RELEASE • 2 MARCH 2022
Coming to Geelong Arts Centre’s Ryrie Street venue on Tuesday 5 April, Slingsby’s Emil And The Detectives brings to life the eponymous literary classic by Erich Kästner, as part of the Geelong Arts Centre 2022 Family Magic program.
Originally published in 1929 by German writer Erich Kästner and selling two million copies, Emil And The Detectives tells the tale of young Emil who catches a train to visit family in the big city. Something valuable is stolen, but the thief soon discovers Emil was not such an easy target. A group of quick-thinking and resourceful children rally around and work together to uncover and outsmart the true criminal.
Adapted for the stage by Nicki Bloom, Kästner’s 1929 novella is more than a ‘good romp’; it broke ground for the independent-children-versus-devious-adults story genre. Streetwise city kids, a hard-working single mother and Emil’s past brush with the law add grit and nuance to this satisfying tale.
Taking place in Studio 4 at Geelong Arts Centre’s landmark Ryrie Street building on Tuesday 5 April at 7:00pm, this captivating 70-minute performance uses the magic of lighting and shadows to teach audiences to never underestimate the determination of a child.
In Slingsby’s signature intimate theatrical style, Emil and The Detectives is told by two skilled actors immersed in smoke and mirrors, miniature worlds and a cinematic score. Dark and light, intrigue and delight for children aged 7+ years and their adults.
Tickets are on sale now at geelongartscentre.org.au/family-magic-2022/emil-detectives/. Capacity in Studio 4 is limited – get in quick!
Consisting of six brilliantly dynamic, engaging and accessible performances, the Geelong Arts Centre’s 2022 Family Magic program is designed to captivate, inspire and entertain children under 12, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents and carers.
For full program details and to book, visit geelongartscentre.org.au/family-magic-2022.
Geelong Arts Centre’s 2022 Family Magic program is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University.
Bookings can be made via the website, or by phoning the Box Office on 1300 251 200 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Geelong Arts Centre has moved to e-ticket delivery for Family Magic 2022. Confirmation of your booking will be emailed to you immediately, and all e-tickets for performances will be emailed to you three days prior to the performance.
Geelong Arts Centre scrupulously adheres to COVID Safe principles. Please make sure to check our website for the most up-to-date information regarding current COVID Safety measures and conditions of entry prior to each performance.
Information on what to expect on site, including helpful FAQs, can be found on our website at geelongartscentre.org.au
ABOUT SLINGSBY
Founded in 2007 and based in Adelaide, South Australia, Slingsby presents emotionally challenging and engaging storytelling in rich live theatrical realms for family audiences and young people.
Passionate about creating memorable experiences for audiences of all ages, they collaborate with Australia’s finest artists across many disciplines and foster international theatrical alliances.
Slingsby’s productions have been presented in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Singapore, Norway, China and India, earning the company a reputation for excellence in the creation of work for young audiences.
The company’s world worn, timeless aesthetic is embedded into each show, transporting audiences to a time and place that is at the simultaneously familiar and new.
Slingsby has garnered many coveted awards for its work including three Ruby Awards, a prestigious Victor Award (People’s Choice) – International Performing Arts for Youth Showcase 2017 for The Young King and a Helpmann Award (Best Presentation for Children) for Emil and the Detectives in 2018.
Slingsby produces and tours original theatre productions that captivate, challenge and inspire hope through memorable theatre experiences that evoke a sense of renewed wonder in the world we live in, and the role we each can play in building a happy and harmonious global society.
Slingsby encourages togetherness through a sophisticated aesthetic and complex emotional storytelling. The company focuses on sharing timeless, otherworldly stories of loss, hope and wonder, helping audience members find resilience in their own situations and empathy for those around them.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“Don’t miss this opportunity to become immersed in a truly magical theatre experience that will dazzle and delight both young and old.”
Quote attribute to Kelly Clifford
Geelong Arts Centre Senior Producer – Families, Youth & Creative Learning
TICKETS & BOOKINGS
TICKET PRICES
ADULTS: $32
CHILDREN: $22
GROUPS OF 6 OR MORE: $25
BOOKINGS
geelongartscentre.org.au/family-magic-2022/emil-detectives/