A fox, an echidna and a mythical tree are leading audiences into a world of lost songs and unlikely friendships in a new musical adventure premiering in Albany this week.
The Song Catchers is a collaboration between WA Opera and Breaksea and will make its world premiere at Albany Entertainment Centre on October 23 and 24 as part of Albany 2026.
Blending live performance, original music and animation, the production follows Tipu the fox and Marri the echidna as they navigate a world where songs have been silenced.
In the city of Hillside, songs are captured and consumed as energy while young foxes are trained to become Song Catchers.
But when Tipu betrays his friend by handing over Marri’s living song, the pair are forced to flee into the Albany bush in search of the mythical Listening Tree where lost voices grow again.
Their journey through tangled truths and tested friendships explores identity, belonging and the importance of finding your voice while offering a message of hope for a better future.
The production features original music by Jarred Wall with animation by Sohan Ariel Hayes bringing the story’s imaginative world to life.
The work has also been shaped by community collaboration, drawing on conversations and workshops with Menang Noongar elders Aunty Eliza Woods, Aunty Glenda Williams and Uncle Larry Blight.
Director Matt Rueben James Ward said they wanted to contribute a creative, historical and inspiring show to add to Albany’s 2026 events calendar.
“We wanted to contribute something that was creative, inventive, beautiful and inspiring for this year that connects to the history of the place,” he said.
“It’s not a history play, it’s very much more about the people, relationships and adventure.
“It brings positive messages of how we can learn to be better at listening to one another and how that can help our community and our world be a better place.”
Ward said the music and animation in the show is one of the main highlights.
“The music is absolutely roaring,” he said.
“It’s like a contemporary soundscape with drums and vocals and electric guitars and incredible animations play across the screens the whole time by Sohan Ariel Hayes.”
Ward was brought up in Albany and said being able to create something and be part of the bicentenary commemorations was really special.
“It’s really special for me and I’m really proud of how this work sits alongside everything else that’s taking place this year,” he said.
“This is part of the wider conversation about acknowledging who we are as a community and feeling proud about that.”
Jarrad Inman plays the character Marri and said he is excited to come and share the story with his hometown.
“I think it’s important for me to come back, it’s where my family is and where my history is and to come back with reason is always good,” he said.
“I think it’s great to be part of a focal point of the community and the fact I’ve been able to do that a handful of times is great.
“I’m stoked to be part of the Albany Arts community as always.
“The show is worth coming to check out.”
Tickets are available to purchase now on the West Australian Opera’s official website.
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