Don’t Miss Sand Song at Barangaroo

By: Emily O'Brien, ellaslist

During the October school holidays (3-8 Oct 2017), The Cutaway will host SAND SONG, an uplifting contemporary Aboriginal dance and theatre performance and workshop. We have the inside scoop on everything you might want to you.

What’s the recommended age for kids participating in the workshop?

Ideally ages 5-12 and it’s important to know that parents and carers must accompany them during the 30-minute workshop and are encouraged to watch. (Though only the children participate.)

How much are tickets?

$20+booking fee

$65 per family of four (min one adult).

What's the running time?

About 1 hour 45 mins including workshop (30 mins), interval (15 mins) and performance (40-55 mins). 

What happens during a pre-performance workshop?

First, participants meet the performers and learn how their country was created and about their family. Next ideas are shared around ceremony, dancing & singing and painting up their dreams. Then children are asked to think about their dream and what they want to paint on their own dream holder and then draw it on paper before painting it on their jar. As that dries, they gather back together and learn the Emu and Brolga dance. Then they’re ready for SAND SONG. The children bring their jars and are invited to place them on the edge of the sand while they watch the ceremonial performance. At the end, the dancers light the candles in the children’s jars to symbolically gesture lighting up their dreams.

What if I just want to see the performance but not participate in the workshop?

You can do that but know the ticket price includes both the workshop and performance. The performance is always 45 minutes after the advertised start time.

Do spaces fill up?

Yes, there are only 150 workshop participant spaces available for each performance.

Can you reserve seating?

No, it’s general admission and cannot be reserved. However families and carers will be provided chairs and can sit in close proximity to their children, who will be encouraged to sit on the floor around the performance.

Is there a babes in arms policy?

Babes in arms (children under two) are free if they sit on the lap of their parent or carer.

Should I get there early?

Yes, always a good idea! The Cutaway is located at Barangaroo Reserve.

Collect tickets from the Box Office (located at the entrance of the Cutaway), at least 30 minutes before the event starts. If you have already received tickets, shoot to arrive at least 15 minutes before the event. Latecomers will try to be seated as soon as possible, but may not always be permitted until a suitable break in the performance.

Can I take photos?

Not during the workshop or performance, but we don’t see why you couldn’t take a picture afterward with your child and their dream jar.

How long are the performances?

10am performance 
10-10.30am Workshop (30 mins)
10.30-10.45 Interval (15 mins)
10.45-11am Welcome song and entry (15 mins)
11-11.40 Performance (40 mins)
11.40 Post show (10 mins) the performers will interact with the audience post-performance, however you are free to leave at the conclusion of the performance.

11am performance 
11-11.30am Workshop (30 mins)
11.30-11.45am interval (15 mins)
11.45am-12noon Welcome song and entry (15 mins)
12-12.40pm Performance (40 mins)
12.40pm Post show (10 mins) the performers will interact with the audience post-performance, however you are free to leave at the conclusion of the performance.

1.30pm performance 
1.30-2pm Workshop (30 mins)
2-2.15pm interval (15 mins)
2.15-2.30pm Welcome song and entry (15 mins)
2.30-3.10pm Performance (40 mins)
3.10pm Post show (10 mins) the performers will interact with the audience post-performance, however you are free to leave at the conclusion of the performance.

2.30pm performance 
2.30-3pm Workshop (30 mins)
3-3.15pm interval (15 mins)
3.15-3.30pm Welcome song and entry (15 mins)
3.30-4.10pm Performance (40 mins)
4.10pm Post show (10 mins) the performers will interact with the audience post-performance, however you are free to leave at the conclusion of the performance.

How To Get To Barangaroo

There are many ways to get to Barangaroo. Last time we went, we chose to drive and parked along Hickson Road (there are plenty of metred spots on Hickson Road or up the side streets with prices from $2.70 an hour on weekends). There is also a parking garage footsteps from the reserve (with a daily rate of $12 on weekends). You could also take a ferry and meander your way from Circular Quay up through the Rocks to Millers Point. There are also trains to Circular Quay or a bus service that stops at Barangaroo. See more details here.

Where To Eat

There’s plenty of grass to lay out a blanket and enjoy a picnic.

However, if you would rather buy your lunch, there are a couple of food trucks around the area and you’ll be sure to find a meal of your liking.

You could also take a walk along the piers at Walsh Bay (towards the Sydney Dance and Theatre Company). Here you’ll find pizza restaurant and a couple of cafes.

There is also a whole new Barangaroo precinct with a collection of shops and eateries just further up the road towards the city. Take a look at the Streets of Barangaroo to see what it’s all about