Info Cast & Creatives Gallery Reviews
The Art House presents
An Erth Visual & Physical Inc production
ARC
Showcasing exquisite puppetry, an enigmatic host, audience interaction and a world of rare and exotic animals, ARC is a profound experience that embraces the natural world and the creatures that cohabit this place we call Earth.
ARC presents intimate, magical encounters with rare and vulnerable species, raising important questions about our collective and individual relationship with nature and loss.
Renowned as innovators of physical and visual theatre, for the past three decades Erth’s body of work has explored the depths of the past. With ARC, they look unblinkingly to the future, as this menagerie of animals transforms the stage before your very eyes.
ARC is dedicated to Erth’s founding company member and Executive Director Sharon Kerr.
From The Artistic Director
The genesis of ARC came about from a creative visioning residency with Healesville Sanctuary in 2016 supported by Zoos Victoria. During my visit I was lucky enough to be taken to where they were breeding Leadbeater’s Possums to increase their number, at a time when their population had been reduced to one small colony of around 30 individuals - the only Leadbeater’s Possums remaining in the world.
A small furry bundle was placed in my hands, and like lightning it struck me: this moment was charged with empathy and awe. Right then I knew that if everybody could experience this delicate action of holding one of these beautiful creatures in their hands, an intangible connection between two species would be made and their continued protection would continue. Not from guilt from the wrongs we have done, but from love and compassion.
Scott Wright, Artistic Director, Erth Visual & Physical Inc
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, and the NSW Government through Create NSW.
For School Group bookings or excursion inquiries, please email: education@thearthousewyong.com.au
CREATIVES
Artistic Director: Scott Wright
Head of Design: Steve Howarth
Producer: Scott Andrew
Writer: Alana Valentine
Creative Associate – Puppet Design: Gabrielle Paananen
Associate Director: Solomon Thomas
Associate Director: Samantha Hickey
Composer/Sound Designer: James Brown
Composer/Sound Designer: Daniel Herten
Lighting Designer: Frankie Clarke
Video Designer: Solomon Thomas
Production Manager: Rick Everett
CAST
Scott Wright
Albert David
Tom Caley
Sarah Platts
Keila Terencio de Paula
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jacquie Manning
Lisa Haymes
AWARDS
Nominated for 2022 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Children
REVIEWS
"With conservation at its heart ARC has something for everyone… If you get the opportunity to experience any of Erth’s work – go! ARC is … a quality offering from one of Australia’s most exciting companies."
Theatre Travels
"Enthralling… As puppetry, the huge animals are truly awe-inspiring, and the young are duly impressed."
South Sydney Herald
"The artistry of these puppets and their puppeteers, along with the sound and lightscape, creates a whole world in the intimate Studio theatre. Much more than a parade of stunning puppets, there’s an honest emotional ebb and flow led by Wright’s character."
"It’s an invocation, especially to the children, to think about their place in the natural world; about where they fit in with these remarkable animals."
Artsplorers
"Erth’s approach gives a sense of hope and makes the audience realise that these animals can be saved if we all do our part."