The Rainbow Tree

A musical storytelling show created with Rainbow families for Rainbow families and their allies

Created by Fat Fruit
Presented by Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Performing Lines in association with Sydney WorldPride

What happens when you invite seven children from Rainbow families to create a show? You end up with a disco koala, a farting unicorn and a fairy that can freeze tickle monsters, all co-habiting in a very tall, yet tiny rainbow tree. This is what it’s like living in Rainbow Families. Everyone is welcome and anything is possible.

The Rainbow Tree is live musical storytelling performed by two queer super Aunties, Aunty Bear and ZaZa from Fat Fruit (Bec Matthews and Sarah Ward). Written with children from Rainbow families, it shares personal and imagined stories through song exploring family, identity and community.

The songs are brought to life through the projected visual images of Jolyon James (Arena Theatre Company) featuring animation, illustrations and the children themselves.

“The Rainbow Tree is a metaphor for connection, community and family, those you are born into and those you find along the way. A safe haven for all those colour outside the lines.”
- Bec and Sarah (Fat Fruit)

Quotes from the Collaborating Children of Rainbow Families:

“The Rainbow Tree goes up to the moon and back. You get there by following the high chalk road.”
Reuban

“The Rainbow tree is rare, it’s leaves are brown and curly.”
Timo

“The Rainbow tree is Rainbow, Rainbow like me".”
McKenzie

CONTENT WARNING: Loud music, flashing lights. Note: Fat Fruit encourages full participation. Should audience members need to leave and return for whatever reason they are encouraged to do so.

The Rainbow Tree is produced by Performing Lines, and generously supported by the New South Wales government. It was jointly commissioned by ArtPlay and Midsumma as part of the PRISM program at Midsumma Festival. PRISM was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts. ArtPlay is supported by the City of Melbourne. This project is generously supported by Linda Herd.

In association with Sydney WorldPride