A story of harmony, told without a word
By a small river, a Fisherman struggles to catch enough fish to keep his wife happy and turns instead on the Sandpiper and the Clam. They defeat him — but then fall to quarrelling over a mischievous fish, and find themselves easily caught.
When the Fisherman and his wife fall to fighting in turn, the Sandpiper and the Clam slip away to safety, and from that day on never fight again. A play full of childlike wonder, told with no dialogue — pure artistic expression through movement, puppetry and design that audiences of any language can enjoy.
China National Theatre for Children
China's foremost children's theatre company, with a six-decade history of original works in puppetry, physical theatre and music.
Non-verbal Performance
Suitable for audiences of every language background — pure expression through movement, puppetry and design.
Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
Western Sydney's flagship arts venue — accessible, family-friendly, and a short walk from Parramatta Station.
Cast and Creative Team
The Company Behind the Play
Tuesday, 16 December 2025 · Riverside Theatre, Parramatta · 60 minutes, no interval
About the Company
China National Theatre for Children is the country's foremost children's theatre company, with a six-decade history of original works in puppetry, physical theatre and music. The company tours internationally and produces stage works for audiences aged three and up.
Sandpiper, Clam and Fish draws on an ancient Chinese parable about the futility of conflict — adapted here as a wordless, sixty-minute play that uses movement, puppetry, scenic design, and original music in place of dialogue. Suitable for the whole family.
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The Venue
Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
Address
Cnr Church & Market St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Capacity
761 seats · Riverside Theatre
Getting There
Parramatta Station, 5 min walk
Accessibility
Fully accessible · companion seating
Sandpiper, Clam and Fish
Dec 12, 2025 · 7:30 PM- Digital programme booklet
- Welcome drink (Premium & VIP)
- Pre-concert artist talk (VIP)
- Complimentary parking (VIP)
Gallery
Moments from the Stage
A glimpse of Sandpiper, Clam and Fish at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta.