A new serene, sensory experience in Paddington Reservoir Gardens will explore the fragility of nature and tell the story of animals, endangered species and the importance of conservation.
Soft Forest features Fauna, an enchanting 4m tall inflatable creature on a mission to entertain and educate audiences about the natural world.
With a naïve, playful and curious approach, Fauna will invite children to be part of the fun, interactive performance, encouraging them to connect with the message of conservation and environmental sustainability.
Each theatrical performance takes the audience on a path of calm, connection and wonder, with the sunken garden illuminated by an enchanted glow of soft lighting. The performances will be complemented with an ambient symphony of nature that can be enjoyed by onlookers, while participants will enjoy a more direct and sensory experience through headphones.
Produced by Erth Visual & Physical Inc, Soft Forest is the culmination of over a decade of evolving ideas, with the aim of opening doors to adventure, nurturing curiosity, and creating safe spaces for exploration.
"At the heart of Soft Forest is Fauna – a beautiful, mystical creature who brings love, gentleness and wonder to a world that so desperately needs it. She is the voice of the trees who speaks to the children," Scott Wright, artistic director for Erth said.
"Fauna gently urges us to slow down, to hear the whispers of the forest and rediscover kindness in ourselves and each other.
"In a time when the world feels full of noise and frustration, she offers a path back to the natural world – a reconnection to something ancient, grounding, and full of magic.
"Set within the breathtaking Paddington Reservoir Gardens – a heritage-listed site, with sun-dappled ruins and serene atmosphere – it creates a perfect backdrop for Fauna's world, a place where nature and story intertwine, and imagination takes root."
Soft Forest will take place in the lower level of the gardens, with 3 shows running 30 minutes each that can accommodate up to 100 participants per session.
Part of the City of Sydney's Art & About program, Soft Forest is a temporary production aimed at enlivening public spaces through art and creativity.
"Our Art & About program is a celebration of art in unconventional spaces – something that brings Sydneysiders together with local and international artists in a fantastic expression of the city's creative spirit," Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
"The production will bring colour, creativity and joy out of the theatre and into the gardens at Paddington for everyone to enjoy."
Erth will present Soft Forest on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm from 4 to 20 September.
The family-friendly performances are free and best suited to children aged 4 to 12 years old. They will be guided to the lower level of the gardens to experience the show. Parents and guardians can observe from the upper level of the gardens but can accompany young children if preferred.
