Black Swan State Theatre Company to Present THE RED BALLOON in October

Black Swan State Theatre Company is proud to present The Red Balloon, a world premiere stage adaptation by Hilary Bell, based on the Academy Award-winning short ?lm of the same name at the Studio Underground from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 17 October 2015.

This is first in family programming for Black Swan and a much anticipated school holiday and family special - one for all to enjoy.

Conceived by French film maker Albert Lamorisse, the short film The Red Balloon (Le Ballon Rouge) first premiered in 1956 and featured his own children; real-life Pascal being the inspiration for the boy with his balloon, and his daughter Sabine playing the girl. The film won numerous awards, including an Oscar for best original screenplay, the Palme d'Or for short films and is the only short film to win the Academy Award for Best Writing (Original Screenplay), even though it had little dialogue.

The Red Balloon is considered one of the best loved children's cinema classics and continues to delight imaginations with its simplicity yet compelling storytelling.

In adapting the movie for the stage, Black Swan engaged director Chrissie Parrott, one of Australia's leading choreographers, and commissioned playwright Hilary Bell. Parrott has assembled an outstanding creative team to re-imagine this magical piece and has chosen performers which include four child actors (rotating cast) and four adult actors, all experienced in puppetry, circus, acting and dance to bring the production to life.

We see the story set in the run-down, post-war Ménilmontant neighbourhood of Paris. On his way to school, a young boy, Pascal ?nds a red balloon tangled around a lamp post. Soon after rescuing it, the boy discovers the balloon has a mind of its own! Together, he and his balloon wander the streets, exploring the neighbourhood and searching for adventure.

The Red Balloon is aimed at children between 6 and 12 years of age, families and the young at heart.

It is presented as part of the 2015 AWESOME Festival and is a Rio Tinto Black Swan Commission.