2020 Tasmania for Book Week

Ananse Stories

Sam Derchie introduces students to a world and culture very different from the one they enjoy in Australia today. Long before Spiderman there was Ananse, a spider from the folklore of the Ashanti people of Ghana in West Africa. His stories with their messages of “co-operating can solve problems”, “learning is important and fun” and “we all have similar needs and fears” are interspersed and punctuated with music, drumming and songs. There are also stories and facts about Sam’s many instruments, how and what they are made from, what they are used for and how he learnt to play them.


Born in Ghana in the latter half of the last century, Sam studied African Literature before turning his love of piano and percussion into a full time career, touring around Australia as the supporting act for artists like Ziggy Marley and Osibisa. For the past 20 years, since leaving the life of a rock musician, Sam has been performing in schools from coast to coast across both Australia and New Zealand, combining both his music and storytelling skills in Ananse Stories.

Price: $4.95 per student (GST included).

Minimum audience size: 130 students

For more information about Ananse Stories

Monsters In My Wardrobe

The story begins with our hero afraid of the dark. At night with his flashlight in his hand he hides under his doona and peeks out at the mysterious shadows, dark corners and the scariest place of all; his wardrobe. He is certain monsters are scratching at the wardrobe door.


Mark was very engaging and entertaining. The children thought the show was extremely funny and were engaged throughout the entire performance.

Mikayla Luxton. K-7. St Joseph’s School. Renmark. SA.


Price: $4.95 per student ($4.50 + $0.45 GST).

Minimum audience size: 130 students

For more information about Monsters In My Wardrobe

Science Saves The Day

Using scientific methodology and the concept of ecosystems, our hero Doctor Sarr and the audience conduct a study that concludes the Plains Wanderer bird, is under threat. Convinced that nobody will help, he formulates a daring plan to acquire a spaceship and build a bird refuge on another planet! However, once in space, he discovers a stowaway, young Eunice. For both of them to survive they’ll need to grow more food and conserve water. The audience are asked for solutions.


What a versatile performer! A very good show which demonstrated to the Drama students that you don’t need high tech - simple props were very successful. The way the educational material was woven into the performance was excellent! Mark was very pleasant and well organised. Happy to chat with Yr 12 students after the show.

Denise McGrath. K to Year 8 & Yr 12. Yankalilla Area School. Yankalilla. SA. 4/09/2018.


Price: $4.95 per student ($4.50 + $0.45 GST).

Minimum audience size: 130 students

For more information about Science Saves The Day