Parrwang Lifts the Sky

Composer and Librettist Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO.

Victorian Opera is once again proud to present this family show, inspired by the Wadawarrung story of Parrwang, the courageous magpie who saved the world.

Did you know that magpies created the first dawn?

Victorian Opera is once again proud to present Parrwang Lifts The Sky as part of its family and education program.

A long time ago the sky was a blanket on the land. The earth was in darkness and the people were afraid. If not for the courage of Parrwang the magpie, determined to assist her newfound friends, this blanket may still be with us today.

Tjatjarrang (Big Sister) and Koki (Brother) are young, adventurous and tired of living in the dark. When they manage to climb to the highest branches of an ancient gum tree, they discover a world of colour and light and a friend in Parrwang (Magpie).

Parrwang decides to help her new friends lift the blanket of darkness from the young humans world. The plan is devised but Parrwang must first convince the Great Council of Birds led by Bunjil (Eagle). Will the council agree?

Based on an original creation story from Wadawurrung Country.