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Crossroad Arts' new immersive production, Unfamiliar Grounds, will transform a purpose-built dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns into a virtual world of projections, soundscapes and storytelling when it premieres from July 15–18. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
"What's that big white dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns?" you might ask.
The giant white structure has sparked curiosity among locals driving past in recent weeks, with many wondering what is taking shape in the heart of the city.
The answer is Unfamiliar Grounds – an ambitious new immersive production by Crossroad Arts that will transform the purpose-built dome into a virtual world filled with large-scale projections, sweeping soundscapes and a heartwarming story designed to spark the imagination of audiences of all ages.
Presented from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, the production has been more than 18 months in the making, bringing together performers, directors and visual artists to create an experience unlike anything previously staged in Mackay.
Director and CEO Autumn said this performance, was their biggest one yet.
“We've had an enormous amount of support from local businesses, trade businesses that have donated their labour, their time, and also their equipment and materials. So we're very grateful.”
“This is probably the biggest thing we've done… We wanted to do something that's outside the box... something more immersive, where people can be inside the experience with us as we're performing.”
Dance Director Charlee Presland said the story was inspired by ideas shared by the performers themselves.
“Some of the participants are very heavily into video games, some are into nature, and some just wanted to be inside and not want to come out.”
She said those ideas evolved into a story where a character journeys through a virtual world, facing challenges inspired by the natural elements.
“We've taken inspiration from people's love of nature and video games and tied them all together.”
Performer Georgia Knoll, who plays Fire, said she loves stepping into the role.
“I love being Fire... Fire's pretty sassy.”
Fellow director and performer Hannah Izard, who portrays Mother Nature, said the story builds towards one final challenge.
“Mother Nature comes in and sets everything right... but you'll have to come and watch the show if you want to find out more.”
The immersive production also features digital projections created by Crossroad Arts' visual artists, transforming their original artworks into a virtual environment that surrounds audiences inside the 15-metre dome.
Ms Izard said the production had grown from a simple creative prompt.
“We were given the words ‘unfamiliar ground’... from every person's idea, we put them all together and came up with this big story that’s grown into what it is now."
The dome has already become a talking point in Mackay, with the team hoping it encourages more people to discover what Crossroad Arts performers can achieve.
“We're trying to get more people inside the dome and see what we're capable of, and what people with disabilities can actually do – put on a major show!” said Ms Presland .
Looking beyond the world premiere, the team hopes the production will eventually tour other regional communities.
“We would love to use the dome in other regional towns... and show people what we do here,” added Ms Skuthorpe.
Crossroad Arts Company Manager Lesa Walker described seeing the project come together as a rewarding milestone.
“It's been very rewarding to see it up... it’s a big achievement and I'm very excited to see where this takes us.”
Unfamiliar Grounds will run from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, from 7pm to 8.30pm, inside The Dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns, 73 Gordon Street, Mackay. Led by Crossroad Arts performers and creatives, the immersive production promises audiences a virtual world brought to life through large-scale projections, sweeping soundscapes and a heart-warming story for all ages.
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