UNDERSTORY
A magical quest through an enchanted forest
Step into a wondrous and fantastical theatrical world where science, nature and magical realism converge and the imagination and curiosity of kids takes centre stage.
Join characters Blossom and Rocko, your ‘Wonderer’ guides, on an important quest to outsmart the ominous ticking of time and save the forest from disarray.
Bursting with whimsical magic, this beautifully designed theatre production inspires all the senses: climb through portals, tunnels and labyrinths, find clues, solve riddles, sing enchanted songs and listen to the wise and wacky stories of the chattering mycelium, grumbling rocks and the whispering trees.
Understory is a place where imagination is key and the kids get to unlock the door.
The show can be adapted for presentation in any forest, wild park or botanic gardens.
What audience thought...
Absolutely amazing!!! One of the best experiences we’ve had for children AND adults. My 9 year old son was totally invested in the mission of Understory from start to finish. What a beautiful way to spend a morning together. Rocko and Blossoms’ enthusiasm was infectious.
Amanda (parent)
Ignited a magical experience where my children were taken to another world parallel to their own. As an adult I was warmed by the children’s experience but also felt the connection to my own inner child.
Nelly, Lily and Rosie
It was a joy to see the students so engaged in the production and the learning, rushing from clue to clue, listening to the recordings as though nature was talking to them. The students were thoroughly enraptured by the outdoor experience (so different to them sitting still, not talking, listening in a theatre). They were very much part of it. The excitement and the buzz on the bus after was tangible and they all agreed it was on the best productions they had ever been to. They eagerly discussed their favourite parts. One child on the bus home even declared – “it was the best day of my life”. I would thoroughly recommend the show to any primary class.
Charlotte Pritchard, Year 3 Teacher, Living School
That wasn’t a play that was an adventure. I’d give it 10 hundred out of five.
Josh age 11
Such an authentic, generous gift. The performers and story had all ages enthralled from the first moment. So gorgeous to see kids light up at helping the forest, rather than stuck on screens. Sound, props and crafts sets were also a highlight. I highly recommend this for all ages. Thank you so much for the gift of Understory.
Tanya ( Josh’s mum)
Show credits
Director | Writer: Valley Lipcer
Performers: Melia Naughton | Tom Davies
Sound Design: Phil Downing
Graphic Design: Anja Roehrdanz
THANK YOU TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS
First nations consultation and show song creation: Mitch King | Uncle Gilbert Laurie | Aunty Tania Marlow
Set & Prop Building: Joey Ruigrok Van der Werven | Martin Pedder | Marcia Star | Chloe Rowland | Charlotte Haywood
Script Development: Duncan Maurice | Caleb Lewis
Creative Development: Gabrielle Griffin | Adrian Williams-Brett | Melia Naughton | Leif Lyall | Simon O’Brien
Extra Sound Recordings: Brett Canning & Lindisfarne Grammer students.
Environmental Education Consultation: Tiff Bollhorn
Process Drama Consultation: Lisa Apostolides & Byron Youth Theatre and Howard Cassidy
Story Consultation: Jenni Cargill- Strong
Participating Schools: The Living School | Lindisfarne Grammar
Community Partners: Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens | Lismore City Council
Accessibility
There is potential to have an Auslan interpreter.
Check with the gardens on wheelchair access
Touring info
DURATION
90 mins
CREW
2 x performers
2 x production
SETUP
3 day bump in and sound tech.
VENUE
This is a flexible and site-specific work that can be adapted to any public garden.
CAPACITY
30 -40 audience at any one time.
Creative Development
Understory is supported by the NSW Government through CREATE NSW.