Sarah Courtis

This production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing explored how eco-theatrical techniques and biophilic scenography might be applied to indoor proscenium arch theatre for greater liveness. Staged at Murdoch University's Nexus Theatre with the final year Theatre and Creative Production students, the production examined integrating sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and enhance the play's sensory connection to the natural world. Soundscapes, dynamic staging techniques and upcycled materials were applied to pedagogical practice for public performance. Direction and scenography by Alys Daroy, with Sarah Courtis and Stephen Platt as co-directors and Tim Brain as set designer and lighting and sound designer/manager.

There is something strange happening on Leighton Beach in Western Australia. A little toy zebra has washed up on the shore and Chitty-Chitty, the Willy-wagtail, has heard his child crying for him. With her friends - the forgotten toys in the Museum, Hanneen, Mous and Pauline, and an unexpected arrival, Raggedy Annie - Chitty-Chitty embarks on a journey to save him and return him to his child before the magic fades and the toys must return to their long, deep sleep. The Great Snottygobble, whose powers have summoned them all, has given them a difficult task to perform and they’re not sure they are up to it. For, alarmingly, Mugga, the Tasmanian Tiger, is on the loose, also summoned it seems by the Great Snottygobble. With the magic fading fast, they have to rescue the little zebra … but can they do it in time?