The Rabbits

The Rabbits is a music theatre work with music by Kate Miller-Heidke and libretto by Lally Katz (with additional music by Iain Grandage), based on the book by John Marsden illustrated by Shaun Tan. As per the original book, it is an allegory for the colonisation of Australia, depicting an invasion of rabbits (in lieu of the English settlers) described as alien, harsh and greedy, as they destroy the land and lives of the native marsupials (in lieu of the original Indigenous population).

Productions

In 2014, Lyndon Terracini announced that Opera Australia had co-commissioned Miller-Heidke to write an opera based on John Marsden's children's book The Rabbits, to be performed in 2015.[1]

The Rabbits was first performed at the Perth International Arts Festival in February 2015, produced by Opera Australia and Barking Gecko Theatre Company, to critical acclaim.[2][3] It later played seasons at the Melbourne Festival in October 2015, the Sydney Festival in January 2016 and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in March 2016.[4]

The Rabbits received four 2015 Helpmann Awards, for Best New Australian Work, Best Original Score, Best Presentation for Children and Best Costume Design. Katz received the 2016 AWGIE Award for Music Theatre for The Rabbits' libretto.[5]

Cast recording
The Rabbits
Cast recording by
Kate Miller-Heidke
ReleasedApril 2016
LabelABC Classics

The cast recording was recorded live during The Rabbits' Sydney season, and released in April 2016. It was nominated for Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album at the 2016 ARIA Awards.

References
  1. "Rabbits let loose as Opera Australia's Lyndon Terracini opts for high drama" by Matthew Westwood, The Australian, 12 August 2014
  2. "The Rabbits review – triumphant adaptation of a deeply tragic story" by Van Badham, The Guardian, 17 February 2015
  3. "Review: The Rabbits (Perth Festival)" by Clive Paget, [Limelight], 14 February 2015
  4. "AusStage". www.ausstage.edu.au. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  5. "Winners of the 49th annual Australian Writers' Guild awards announced; ABC Thriller The Code makes history | The Iris". iris.theaureview.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
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