Wildskin 2024

“One hour and fifteen minutes later our lives had changed. Yes, for the better. Enlightenment is like that! …World class theatre at the Lismore Showgrounds. Bravo and double bravo.”

Australian Stage

about

NORPA’s spectacular site-specific show Wildskin took audiences on a wild ride of storytelling, physical theatre, laughter and song. This wasn’t your traditional theatre experience. Staged in a 60-metre warehouse space at Lismore Showgrounds, Wildskin transformed the space into an outrageous and unpredictable world that was part bush-thriller and part road-trip, furthering NORPA’s reputation for adventurous, unforgettable Australian theatre.

In Wildskin, the protagonist Eva leaves the security of her city life and hits the road to Northern NSW. Underprepared and alone, Eva finds herself in situations way outside her comfort zone, as the bush becomes a metaphor for something deep inside her that is unfulfilled. On her journey Eva encounters an array of hilarious, recognisable and oddball characters. Being pushed beyond her limits and surviving, she adopts a new skin and discovers what she is capable of.

The full Wildskin experience extended beyond the show itself, with dinner and drinks at the pop-up Roadhouse by Secret Chef and a journey to the performance on the Wildskin bus, where the adventure began before stepping into the venue.

“Wildskin was created with an incredible group of creatives—built on trust, playfulness, and bravery,” said Director Julian Louis. “This show is a testament to NORPA’s grit, determination, and love for what we do. After the upheaval of the past four years, we’re proud to have produced a popular, three-week season in a large warehouse space. We couldn’t be more proud of the NORPA team, cast, creatives, and crew behind Wildskin.”

reviews

“NORPA never disappoints, and tonight’s performance is no exception to this rule… One hour and fifteen minutes later our lives had changed. Yes, for the better. Enlightenment is like that! …World class theatre at the Lismore Showgrounds. Bravo and double bravo.”
Australian Stage

“Wildskin exceeded my expectations… a world-class theatre experience right in the heart of the Northern Rivers.”
Audience member

“Every single element – the concept, acting, writing, dancing, design, lighting, sound, set – was sublime. I’ve said it before. NORPA is clearly the best regional theatre company in the country. And this show proves it once again.”
Ben Franklin MLC, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth (2021-22)

“The scenic design was impeccable in such a unique space. The audio design, direction, and casting were world-class!”
Audience member

“Loved the venue, the story, the performance, and the inventiveness of the production.”
Audience member

read the program

Read the Wildskin program.

Cast and creative team

Devisor and Director Julian Louis
Story and Lead Writer Hattie Dalton
Associate Director Heather Fairbairn
Dramaturgy and Additional Original Writer Janis Balodis
Additional Dramaturgy Bridget Balodis
Set and Costume Designer Charlotte Haywood
Lead Lighting Designer Alex Torney
Co-Lighting Designer Padi Bolliger
Composer and Sound Designer Matt Blackman
Additional Sound Steve Shaw
Performer/Devisor and Movement Director Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal
Performer/Devisor and Vocal Arrangements Melia Naughton
Performer/Devisors Sara Browne, Cass Duell, Kate Foster
Stage Manager Erin O’Shea
Production Assistant/Assistant Stage Manager Vanessa Kellas
Project Production Manager Jake Dix
Set Construction Ed Horne
Original Movement Director 2018 Darcy Grant
Original Sound Designer 2018 Tegan Nicholls
Original Lighting Designer 2018 Sian James-Holland
Original Associate Director 2018 Caroline Dunphy
Original Story Research and Development 2018 Kate McDowell
Original Cast and Co-Devisors 2018 Viviane Frehner, Bianca Mackail, Katia Molino, Olivia Porter, Nicci Wilks

presentation history

12 — 28 September 2024, Lismore Showgrounds

PARTNERS

Wildskin was developed with the support of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, the NSW Government through Create NSW, Southern Cross University, Ingrained Foundation, and Lismore City Council.

Slideshow Images | Kurt Petersen (images 1-2) and Kate Holmes (image 3-6)

Grid Images | Kurt Petersen (images 2,5) and Kate Holmes (image 1,3,6,7,8)