Soft Forest

Update: Performances on Thursday 11 September are cancelled due to wet weather. Performances will continue as scheduled from Friday 12 September.

Take part in the wonder of Soft Forest, an interactive performance for children that explores the fragility of nature and the importance of conservation.

Naïve, child-like, curious, Fauna is an enchanting 4m tall inflatable puppet with a vital story to tell. She is neither entirely plant nor wholly animal, but something altogether different: a being born from mycelium, that hidden, ancient network of thread-like filaments woven beneath the forest floor.

Fauna speaks for the trees: she is their voice, their storyteller, their gentle ambassador. She seeks out curious, inspired minds to share the wonders of the natural world and guide them in protecting it. Fauna speaks not to the busy, distracted minds of adulthood, but to hearts still open to wonder – children and those who have preserved the curiosity and sensitivity of youth. Wherever Fauna wanders, a soundscape emerges – songs sung by the trees themselves – and a shimmering swarm of fireflies dances in her wake, illuminating a path of connection, wonder and renewal.

Erth Visual & Physical Inc will present Soft Forest on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm from 4 to 20 September.

Please arrive 30 minutes before the session to register and secure your spot. Numbers are limited.

Session dates:

• 4, 5 & 6 September

• 11, 12 & 13 September

• 18, 19 & 20 September

Session times:

• 5:30pm, 6:30pm & 7:30pm

Event details

• Free – no tickets required

• Best suited for children aged 4 to 12 years old

• 3 x 30-minute sessions per night

• Registration desk at corner of Oatley Road and Oxford Street opens 30 minutes before each performance for active participation (numbers are limited)

• Performances can also be enjoyed from the Oxford Street level viewing platform

• This is an accessible venue. An accessible car park space is available at Paddington Town Hall (off Oatley Road)

• Please note: if it is raining the session will be cancelled

This project is part of Art & About Sydney, a temporary art program that enlivens Sydney through art and creativity. 

Images supplied by: Erth Visual & Physical Inc.

Image credit: image 1 & 2: TNOT Leo Infantas | image 3: Scott Andrew.

What to expect? See Soft Forest's social script here.