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A Bucket of Beetles


  • Sydney Opera House (map)

From Yogyakarta’s renowned Papermoon Puppet Theatre this is the story of a beautiful friendship, following the story of a little boy Wehea and a very special rhinoceros beetle...

Are we taking care of our water, soil and air enough?

Wehea is a little boy who lives in a big rainforest. Just like many other people who live there, he has a special connection with nature. Even the smallest beings in the forest are his friends. One day, Wehea meets a very special beetle – a rhinoceros beetle – and together they embark on an epic, life-changing adventure. 

Based on a story told by a four-year-old boy (all of the animal puppet designs in the show are based on his drawings) A Bucket of Beetles is more than just a story of a beautiful friendship. It's a story about learning to appreciate the small things to then be able to appreciate bigger things. A story that leaves us questioning: are we taking care of our water, soil, and air enough?

Following successful tours across the US, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, Papermoon Puppet Theatre now brings this mesmerising show to the Sydney Opera House for the first time.

Sydney Opera House presents a Papermoon Puppet Theatre production. 

A Bucket of Beetles performance at the Sydney Opera House received grant funding from the Australia-Indonesia Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Event Details:

  • Dates: 7 - 8 June 2025

  • Times:
    Saturday 7 June 2025 12:30pm, 3pm
    Sunday 8 June 2025 10:30am, 1:15pm

  • Duration: This performance runs for approximately 50 minutes.

    Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.

  • Suitable for: Recommended for ages 5+.

    Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.

  • Location: Studio - Sydney Opera House

More info & tickets here.

Earlier Event: 6 June
Cerith Wyn Evans
Later Event: 9 June
Katy Perry - The Lifetimes Tour