16-28 April, 2024 (April School Holidays), Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens
Roundabout Theatre, Media Release, 12 March 2024
Have you heard fungi talk? Have you felt the forest hum?
Understory is a magical, interactive theatre adventure created for children by Roundabout Theatre, springing to life in the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens this April school holidays from 16-28 April 2024.
Part theatre, part quest and part wacky science field trip, Understory is 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.
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.
Valley Lipcer, Roundabout Theatre Artistic Director and Understory’s writer and director, says, “Children are called to adventure with the main characters from the Understory world and actively progress the story through imaginative problem solving, riddles and activities.”
“The Understory experience is imaginative theatrical play in nature where children learn about the environment and ecology via a wondrous fantasy world,” says Valley Lipcer “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.
Charlotte Pritchard, a Year 3 teacher from The Living School, described the experience for her class when they attended Understory during its creative development stage. “It was a truly magical and engaging experience for the students. It was so special for them to be outdoors, learning about nature, science, life cycles, in such a creative way, getting them to work together and problem solve. I have never seen anything like it before and we were truly blown away by how unique and special it was.”
Don’t miss out on discovering the magical adventure of Understory in the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Garden these April school holidays!
Event details:
- Understory
By Roundabout Theatre - 16 -28 April, 2024 (except 17, 22, 25 April)
- 2 shows daily 10am & 2.30pm
- Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, 313 Wyrallah Rd, Lismore
- Tickets $30 (group discounts available)
- Bookings & more info: www.understory.roundabout.net.au
Recommended for children aged 7-11 years.
Each show goes for 90 mins and children will walk approx 1km during the show.
Access: Please contact us with questions about your access needs at valley@roundabout.net.au
We acknowledge that Understory takes place on the land of the Widgabul Wia-bul people of the Bundjalung Nation. We acknowledge and pay respect to the elders past, present and future.
