What happens when you invite seven children from Rainbow Families to create a show? You end up with a disco koala, a wildebeest, 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 a Rainbow Family. Everyone is welcome and anything is possible.
The Rainbow Tree is for everyone. It’s a celebration of connection, love, and joy that all families can relate to, told from the perspective of children from Rainbow Families. It shares personal and imagined stories around the idea of 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.
join AUNTY BEAR AND ZAZA IN THE LIBRARY
Aunty Storytime
Get cozy with Aunty Bear and Zaza! two of your favourite aunties from The Rainbow Tree are here to share their treasured collection of children's books. These stories celebrate friendship, family, imagination, wonder, diversity and difference.
Best enjoyed by children aged 3 to 10, these stories are brought to life with warmth, humour, and heart. Some of the books will be accompanied by gentle percussion, fun sound effects, and the playful performance skills of Aunty Bear and Zaza. It's an inclusive, joyful, and comforting experience where everyone feels welcome. Get ready for stories, silliness, and soothing sounds in a space full of joy and imagination. Suitable for ages 5-10.
Workshop: Monday 22 September, 10.30am
Location: Chelsea Library
Admission: Free
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Toddler Social
Toddler Social is the ultimate space for toddlers (ages 2-5, older siblings welcome) to express themselves freely in a fun, inclusive, and creative environment. Led by Aunty Bear and Zaza—world-class performers and teachers who’ve worked with Circus Oz, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, Polyglot, and ArtPlay—this guided experience invites little ones to dance, drum, create, and explore at their own pace.
With a dynamic soundtrack blending hip-hop, soul, rock, and reggae, and activities like movement games, fashion parades, and headwear making, there’s something for every child.
Toddler Social is a welcoming, inclusive space where they can create, connect and play with their chosen adults led by two of the silliest Aunties you could imagine.
Workshop: Tuesday 23 September, 10.30am
Location: Cheltenham Library
Admission: Free
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Aboutthe creators
Sarah Ward and Bec Matthews are partners in art and life, together they run a small arts company called Fat Fruit. They create both large and small scale shows celebrating difference and connecting with communities. They aim to disrupt accepted norms and invite audiences into queer new worlds.
Bec and Sarah do not have any children themselves but identify as queer super Aunties. As teachers and Aunties they are passionate about collaborating with young people as artists.
Together they have received awards including a Helpmann Award, 11 Greenroom Awards, Melbourne Fringe and Adelaide Fringe for best cabaret. Sarah is a singer, teacher and actor, while Bec is a percussionist, musical director and teacher. Both artists have toured with Circus Oz around the globe and have performed in prestigious venues and festivals such as the Venice Bienale, Broadway NYC, The London SOHO, Copenhagen Outgames, Rising Festival, MTC, Sydney Opera House and more.
Reviews
'I feel strongly that this is a show all kids should watch, with the benefits of broadening horizons, increasing acceptance, learning how to love without judgement and be part of a better, more inclusive world.' – Artshub 5 stars
'They ensured we heard the voices of children as they created an inclusive and safe place to celebrate that all families are different' – Michelle Gale (CoM Child Safety Officer, Community Services)
'Auntie Bear and ZaZa are favourites in our house. My daughter is still singing songs from the last Rainbow Tree performance we saw over six months ago. Kids can see themselves represented and their grownups can be reminded of the wonder that lives in our imaginations. Plus, farts are always funny' – Angie Hart (Frente)