SHOW INFORMATION

EVENT DETAILS

Understory is a 1.5 hour show that takes place along a 1km path in the Hoop Pine Forest at the Lismore Botanic Gardens.

The entire forest will become an enchanting theatrical world brought to life by an original story that is both fantastical and based in science and ecology principles.

Audience will be led by the characters Rocko and Blossom, ‘The Wonderers’, and be encouraged to actively contribute to the progression of the story. Discovering clues, maps, puzzles, navigating labyrinths, obstacle paths and listening to wondrous stories coming from a soundscape embedded in the forest.

BEFORE THE SHOW

Once a ticket has been purchased, an email invitation will be sent to your child, inviting them to be ‘Wonderers’ on the Understory Mission. In this email there will be a link to the interactive pages of the Understory website where they can go to find out more about the mission and the show’s characters, as well as some beautiful natural science. This website is a fun way for your child to get some background information on the show and to begin the adventure before they arrive, it is not essential to the understanding of the show and is optional. 

WHAT TO BRING

The show is outdoors and involves walking, there may be mosquitos, ants and other insects. Please wear comfortable covered walking shoes, appropriate clothes for a forest walk and apply insect repellent. We recommend bringing a water bottle as well.

SAFETY

As in any forest setting during warmer months, snakes and spiders and other insects may be active, so please ensure covered shoes and take precaution to always stay on the paths.  A first aid officer will be on site.

REFUND POLICY

The show cannot proceed in heavy rain. If there is rain on the day of your show, and we need to cancel the show, we will contact you with as much notice as possible and offer you an alternative show date or a refund.

If there is rain forecast, please bring a raincoat, the show will continue in light rain, if it has already begun.

Check in on the Understory Facebook Event Page for live updates.

LOCATION

Lismore Rainforest Botanical Gardens. 313 Wyrallah Road East Lismore. 3 kms from the Lismore CBD. The Gardens are on Widjabul country.

ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS

Enter via the main gate to the Lismore Waste Facility on Wyrallah rd. Continue past the first turnoff to the right. Take the next right turn at the fork to go towards the new Environmental Education Centre carpark ( do not go left towards the weigh bridge).  Park and walk up via the sealed, wheelchair friendly, path to the awning of the Environmental Education Centre.  We will meet you there to collect tickets and have a show induction, after which, we will go to the start of the show at the picnic area near the visitor’s centre.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER – ROUNDABOUT THEATRE

Roundabout Theatre is a nationally renowned theatre company creating participatory and immersive visual theatre, curated arts events and theatrical public space activations for young audiences. From their base in the Mullumbimby Showgrounds, they have toured shows to hundreds of festivals and events and delighted tens of thousands of people nationally for over two decades. More about Roundabout Theatre at www.roundabout.net.au

Valley Lipcer, Understory Director / Writer & Roundabout Theatre Artistic Director

Valley has been working with immersive and interactive theatre approaches for over two decades. Valley is passionate about creating theatre for children and young people, that empowers them to become central players in work and designing ‘worlds’ that seamlessly blend education, imaginative play and story. Other productions she has made include: Journey to an Unnamed World and Underlibrary of Unofficial Histories with NORPA and The Colours Show, Mirabelle’s Game and Sidestep The Game with Roundabout Theatre.

SHOW CREDITS

Director | Writer: Valley Lipcer

Performers: Melia Naughton | Tom Davies

Sound Design: Phil Downing

Graphic Design: Anja Roehrdanz

Production Support: Tora Crockford & Tahli Goikoetxea 

THANK YOU TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS

First Nations consultation and show song creation: Mitch King | Aunty Tania Marlow | Uncle Gilbert Laurie |

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 Grammar 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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can we bring our dog?

There are no dogs allowed at the site – Guide and Companion Dogs excepted

Do I need to accompany my child ?

We require one adult to supervise and accompany every 4 children on the show journey. If you have organised for a supervising adult to accompnay your child, you do not need to attend.

Will there be somewhere to buy food and drink?

There are no food or drink outlets at the Lismore Botanic Gardens. We recommend you bring a picnic and your own thermos or drinking water. 

Can I use my phone during the show?

No. We ask that you turn off your phone during the show.