Saltbush is an exquisite interactive journey through the culture and landscape of Aboriginal Australia, celebrated through live dance, music, song and stories. Internationally acclaimed Italian company Compagnia TPO has worked in collaboration with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians to create another beautiful piece in the highly acclaimed Children’s Cheering Carpet series.

The Saltbush narrative centres on the journey of two friends from different Aboriginal backgrounds as they cross Australia on foot, and is performed on a touch-sensitive floor using infra-red imaging technology that triggers images and sound. Their journey sees them travel across diverse Australian landscapes (countries) — river country, an urban landscape, desert and the sea. The journey is one of discovering the land (country), growing an understanding and acknowledging how it challenges or provokes personal journeys.

Children are invited to explore, play and dance with the performers as the landscape unfolds around them, providing a unique immersive experience, where the audience can become part of this visually beautiful journey.

Co-Artistic directors Davide Venturini (Italy) & Jason Cross (Australia)  Dramaturgy Sasha Zahra (Australia)  Composer/musician Lou Bennett (Australia/Yorta Yorta/Dja Dja Wurrung)  Choreographer Deon Hastie (Australia/Tjapukai)  Dancer Rosealee Pearson (Australia/Yolngu)  Dancer Sani Townson (Australia/Saibai Koedal)  Narrator/performer Jada Alberts (Australia/Larrakia)  Visual artist/designer Delwyn Mannix (Australia/Wangkangurru)  Digital designer Elsa Mersi (Italy)  Technical designer Rossano Monti (Italy)  Sound designer Spartaco Cortesi (Italy)  Artistic collaborations Edoardo Donatini & Francesco Gandi (Italy)  Technical operators Niccolo Gallio & Alberto Martino (Italy)  Tour creative producer Insite Arts — Lee Cumberlidge & Jason Cross (Australia)  TPO manager Valentina Martini (Italy)