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Illustration of an emu with its beak balancing a multicolored ball against a green background. The emu appears to be looking at the ball intensely.

Edward the Emu Term 3

25 – 26 September 2024

In the Playhouse

Theatre

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

Creative Learning performance for students | Stages ES1 - 3 | Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has him feeling glum and thinking perhaps the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Is life more fun for the seals or the lions or the snakes? Join Edward on his grand adventure of self-discovery as he explores the world outside of his enclosure and makes a very special friend along the way, Edwina the emu.  

Illustrated by Rod Clement

Monkey Baa’s work makes kids think as well as feel

Jackie French AM

Useful information:

Join Edward and Edwina on their grand adventure

Edward and Edwina are back! After enchanting over 50,000 young people across Australia, everyone’s favourite emus are returning to the stage. Adapted by Eva Di Cesare from Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement’s much-loved books, Edward the Emu is filled with love, laughter, and a lesson or two. Featuring exceptional puppetry, original music, inventive design, and thrilling storytelling, this show is full of hijinks and heart. 

Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has him feeling glum and thinking perhaps the grass is greener on the other side of his fence. Is life more fun for the seals or the lions or the snakes? Join Edward on his grand adventure of self-discovery as he explores the world outside of his enclosure and makes a very special friend along the way, Edwina the emu. On their heartwarming and hilarious journey, our feathered friends learn that the true secret to happiness is embracing who you are. 

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Monkey Baa Theatre Company

Teacher’s resource pack

Our resources are packed with practical, creative activities that will add to your students’ experience. 

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Curriculum links

Edward the Emu explores themes of identity and self-exploration, comparison and contentment, belonging and acceptance, exploring boundaries and taking risks.

The performance supports general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities around literacy, creative and critical thinking, personal and social capabilities.

Edward the Emu supports learning across English, Creative Arts and PDHPE.

Learning resources

The Opera House’s learning resources provide inspirational activities to watch, listen and read for students in the classroom or learning at home. 

Find learning resources

Watch trailer

About Monkey Baa Theatre Company

Monkey Baa Theatre Company creates and presents great theatre for young people. They collaborate with internationally acclaimed authors, award-winning creatives, and most importantly, imaginative young people, in bringing their shows to life.

Over 25 years, Monkey Baa has become one of Australia’s widest touring companies with 38 national tours to 135 regional and remote communities, 5 international tours and over 3500 performances reaching over 1.5 million young people.

The stories Monkey Baa shares embrace social and cultural connections, celebrate our rich cultural heritage and inspire young audiences to learn about the world and their place in it.

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Plan your visit

Excursions at the Opera House

A Day Out at the House

Offer your students to an unforgettable day out at the Sydney Opera House with our new curated program. Students can attend a Creative Learning Performance or Workshop onsite accompanied by a Walking Tour of our internationally renowned performing arts centre, all in time to back by the final school bell.

Arts Assist

Does your School need financial assistance to attend a Sydney Opera House excursion?

Schools Tour

Filled with stories that demonstrate the power of creativity, students join a guided tour to learn how architect Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of 20th century architecture.

A young girl wearing a school uniform stares out a window in a Sydney Opera House foyer. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is seen in the background.

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