Slingsby’s soaring into 2023 with Adelaide Festival world premiere

14 November 2022

After the success of the Flying Squad’s 2022 inaugural production This Tree Is A Story (about everything, including you, as told by me), Slingsby will premiere a brand-new work The River That Ran Uphill at the 2023 Adelaide Festival from March 1-6.

The River That Ran Uphill is a triumphant true tale of a girl, who survives the wildest of winds and raging river in a cyclone that upheaved the Pacific Islands. A true story from Slingsby’s Flying Squad ensemble member Edgell Junior, a Ni Vanuatu man from Pentecost Island, who experienced and survived the ferocity of cyclone Pam in 2015.

Edgell says “In Vanuatu there are many customs, cultural practices, old ways and magic that are still strong today. This story that I am telling you, I witnessed with my own eyes. Thank you for taking the time to listen”.

The River That Ran Uphill combines Slingsby’s internationally renowned theatre techniques of shadow, light play, live music and miniatures to transport audiences to the eye of the storm. As the waters rise, this story carries forward a message of warning and, perhaps, a raft of hope.

Following the world premiere at the Adelaide Festival, Slingsby’s Flying Squad will tour The River That Ran Uphill into regional and metropolitan South Australian schools for performances and workshops.

Artistic Director and CEO of Slingsby, Andy Packer, is excited for audiences to experience The River That Ran Uphill “We’re thrilled that the second work from our Flying Squad ensemble will premiere at Adelaide Festival. Told from the voice of proud Ni Vanuatu man, Edgell Junior, this special story will give audiences an insight from a community that came together and faced the full force of the global climate. We can’t wait to celebrate and share Edgell’s story.”

In 2023 Slingsby will also tour the award-winning production Emil and the Detectives to New Zealand, and nationally to NSW and NT, followed by regional South Australia to Port Pirie, Whyalla and Mount Gambier across May and June in partnership with Country Arts SA.

Dates – The River That Ran Uphill

Adelaide Festival (1-6 March 2023), Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre

Wednesday 1 March, 6.30pm
Friday 3 March, 6.30pm
Saturday 4 March, 2pm and 6.30pm

School’s performances (Year levels 4-12)

Thursday 2 March, 10am and 12.30pm
Friday 3 March, 12.30pm
Monday 6 March, 10am and 12.30pm

In Schools

Touring to metropolitan schools throughout Term 1 (excluding 27 February – 1 March, 2023) and regional schools from March 7 to April 14, 2023.