Springing to life in the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens this April school holidays, Understory is a magical, interactive theatre adventure created for children by Roundabout Theatre.
Part theatre, part quest and part wacky science field trip, Understory is led by performers Tom Davies and Melia Naughton and has been made to inspire children aged 7-11 years with a deep curiosity, wonder and connection to the natural world. The entire Hoop Pine Forest at Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens will become an enchanting theatrical world brought to life by an original story that is both fantastical and based in science and ecology principles.
Engaging and interactive
Understory is engaging and interactive with small groups of children participating in each 90-minute show. Accompanied by two ‘Wonderer’ characters, children embark on an important mission to save the forest from disarray. On their quest they will need to collect clues, solve puzzles, crack codes, navigate obstacle courses and work together with the forest to shape the journey and the outcome.
Roundabout Theatre Artistic Director and Understory’s writer and director, Valley Lipcer, says children are called to adventure with the main characters from the Understory world. ‘They actively progress the story through imaginative problem-solving, riddles and activities.’
An imaginative theatrical play in nature
Lipcer says that the Understory experience is an imaginative theatrical play in nature where children learn about the environment and ecology via a wondrous fantasy world. ‘Through the show’s incredible design, the children will meet talking fungi, whispering trees, booming rocks, nests of song, and will experience a myriad of surprising obstacles and whimsical interactions along the path.’
The Understory quest begins from the moment a ticket is purchased. An invitation is sent to your child (via email to parents/carers), inviting them to be ‘Wonderers’ and outlining the adventure ahead. Roundabout Theatre has also developed a highly interactive website at www.understory.roundabout.net.au to accompany the show. Parents and carers are encouraged to direct their children to the email and the website before they arrive at the show, so they are informed on how to be part of the Understory adventure.
Understory in the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Garden is on during these school holidays – April 16 to 18, with two shows daily at 10am and 2.30pm.
Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, 313 Wyrallah Rd, Lismore. Tickets and more info: www.understory.roundabout.net.au.
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