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The River That Ran Uphill
As told by Edgell Junior and Slingsby

25 – 27 July 2024

In the Playhouse

Kids & Families

Ages 8+ | In 2015, Cyclone Pam ravaged the South Pacific. Edgell Junior, a Ni-Vanuatu man from Pentecost Island experienced and survived Cyclone Pam and its aftermath. Based on his lived experience, this moving production emphasises the importance of community cooperation and resilience.

It is a unique and brave piece of theatre and a courageous actor who leads this devastating story to its climax, and warns us that complacency will be our undoing

Glam Adelaide

Do you know the story of the river that ran uphill?

A tiny girl finds the strength to survive the wildest of winds and raging rivers in this triumphant true tale from South Australia’s own trailblazing theatre company Slingsby.

With a cyclone at its centre, brought to life through the magic of theatre,  this is a story of the collision between nature and humanity set in the Pacific Islands. Our young protagonist demonstrates courage in the face of adversity to remind us how important it is to come together as a community in our weakest moments.

The River That Ran Uphill will drop you right in the eye of the storm. It’s a story that shows how the seemingly impossible can become possible when we work together. As the waters rise, this story carries forward a message of warning and, perhaps, a raft of hope.

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Slingsby

Watch the trailer

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