Space Encounters

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Primary In-School Perfromance
Suitable for Prep to Year 7
Terms 3 and 4

Links to Key Learning Areas

• English
• The Arts
• Science
• Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE)

Summary
Harris and Jefferson are two astronauts who, in response to a strange signal, are sent off to an unknown planet with expectations of finding a world of new and exciting creatures. Their hopes are shattered when they find a planet inhabited by a solitary, grouchy alien who sneers at the idea of searching for intelligent life in the universe, ‘The universe is universally boring,’ he declares. ‘Now, please leave!’

Jefferson is happy to leave the arrogant extraterrestrial to his own devices but the more sensitive Harris suspects that his rudeness is just a front for his loneliness. Harris is, of course, right. In the end, the astronauts manage to persuade the lonely alien that life and the universe are both exciting and the best way to explore both is with friends. The issues explored in this very popular production deal with identity, self-image, isolation and relationships.

The Teachers Resource Kit provided to all teachers identifies relevant Ways of Working and Essential Learnings from the Queensland English and Arts curriculum documents and suggests links to the Science and SOSE curriculum.

Space Encounters is a chamber opera composed by Sean O’Boyle and written by Ian McFadyen specifically for a primary school-aged audience.

‘Audience participation great, costumes and set fabulous, great timing and thoroughly enjoyed by students and adults. Good message, humour, the whole package!’
Ian Webb, Eudlo State School, Eudlo

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