An eco-theatrical reimagining of Twelfth Night exploring biophilic dramaturgy and ecoscenography as tools for enhancing audience attention, affect, and ecological connection through live performance. Developed as part of the wider practice-as-research project Biophilic Shakespeare within the Monash–Warwick Alliance Joint PhD, the production investigated how theatre can engage audiences sensorially and emotionally through landscape, atmosphere, embodied performance, and environmentally responsive design. Staged within living garden environments, the production drew audiences into an immersive relationship with place, using natural light, vegetation, weather, sound, and movement to reframe Shakespeare’s comedy through ecological and site-responsive performance practices.

 

The work formed part of a broader research inquiry into the intersections between Shakespeare, environmental humanities, cognitive engagement, and biophilic design principles in contemporary performance.The production was recognised as part of Australia’s first Culture for Climate Report, highlighting innovative approaches to sustainability and environmental storytelling within the arts sector. Originally staged in the Adelaide Botanic Garden alongside Plant Notes at the State Herbarium of South Australia in October 2021, the production sold out its initial season before being redeveloped and restaged at Carrick Hill House Museum and Garden in January 2022.

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Concept and Production: Alys Daroy and Shakespeare South

Co-Direction: Britt Plummer and Jess Clough-Macrae

Music Composition and Direction: Michaela Burger

Movement Direction: Samuel Dugmore and Paul Westbrook

Lighting and Sound Design: Alys Daroy and LVX
Casting: Alys Daroy, Michaela Burger and SA Casting
Cast: Michael Baldwin, Michaela Burger, David Daradan, Alys Daroy, Melanie Munt, Britt Plummer, Paul Westbrook, Shedrik Yarkpai, Kate van der Horst

With thanks to sponsors: SA Casting, LVX, ENEHub, Amalfi, Mothervine, Mum Cha, Koonara Wines, Late Cut Media and the Monash Performing Arts Centre (MPAC)​