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Meet the artists

Discover the artists and creative directors helping us bring Universal Kingdom: Ice Age to life.

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Erth Visual & Physical Inc

Erth is a company fuelled by beautiful accidents; a team of creators, makers and performers pushing the limits of design, content and experience. For over thirty years Erth’s puppetry-based theatrical productions and innovative community projects have challenged and inspired audiences around the world, driven by a special interest in natural history, First Nations stories, sociology and urban mythology.

With a prime focus on environmental sustainability, conservation and social justice, the company’s core motivation is the creation of emotionally impactful artistic work which, through connecting with audiences young and old, educates, inspires, motivates and empowers people to make an impact in the world through their own actions. Today the company is recognised internationally as an innovator of physical and visual theatre, and a creator of brave, unbridled work for children.

In addition to touring the world with their long-running shows Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo and Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium, the company’s ongoing push to explore boundaries and devise new work has seen the commissioning of The Liminal Hour and Winter Camp at Barangaroo for Vivid Sydney 2018-19. Erth have collaborated with museums and zoos around the world, and were Artists in Residence at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney in 2021-22. Erth have also explored the realm of virtual reality, and are continuing the ongoing development of ARC – an expansive, collaborative, multi-year, cross-platform work which explores preciousness, resilience and conservation.

After Dark Theatre

Journey back to the dawn of time with After Dark Theatre’s captivating Lighting Design. A testament to innovation and imagination that has enchanted audiences since 2007.

Founded by Francesco Minniti and Harrison Cope in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, After Dark Theatre emerged as a humble collective of passionate artists and visionaries, evolving into a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

The adventure commenced with the groundbreaking production ‘RUNTIME ERROR’, a spellbinding fusion of black light illusionary techniques and physical theatre that mesmerised audiences and set the stage for After Dark Theatre’s distinctive style. Characterised by bold experimentation and boundary-pushing creativity, this early success laid the groundwork for a legacy of unparalleled artistic achievement.

Recent triumphs further cement After Dark Theatre’s reputation as a leader in the field. Noteworthy accolades include claiming the prestigious title of ‘Best Circus’ at Fringeworld in Perth 2024 for their acclaimed production ‘Barbaroi’, along with top honors for ‘Best Circus Weekly’ and ‘Best Circus Overall’ for ‘Nightrunner’ at Adelaide Fringe. Collaborating seamlessly with A Blanck Canvas, After Dark Theatre has showcased their versatility and ingenuity beyond the confines of the circus tent with productions like ‘Light Creatures’ and ‘Electric Kingdom’.

Beyond the spotlight, After Dark Theatre has played a pivotal role in major cultural endeavours, including the grand opening of the Shepparton Arts Museum and representing Australia at World Expo Dubai, captivating audiences on the global stage.

At the heart of this mesmerising dinosaur exhibit, lies a masterful blend of lighting design and theatrical magic by After Dark. Meticulously crafted to transport visitors to a world where ancient creatures roam once more. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through time and imagination, where the legacy of After Dark Theatre continues to shine bright.

illuminart

Stories in Light are an Australian projection storytelling studio founded in 2007 by artist and creative director Cindi Drennan. What began as a one-person practice working with regional communities, driven by the belief that country towns deserved the same large-scale light art as capital cities, has grown into a nationally recognised studio working with festivals, public spaces, and cultural institutions across Australia.

Cindi has worked with light and projection since the late 1990s and built illuminart around a simple idea: the most powerful projection work carries a story worth telling. She works with communities across Australia, following the stories she is invited to help share rather than being tied to a single fixed base.

illuminart are a small, close‑knit national team of artists, animators, fabricators, and technicians, working remotely and on site to create place‑specific works that draw on local history, cultural knowledge, and community participation. Their projects include the Quorn Silo Light Show (winner, 2022 Australian Street Art Awards), East End Echoes for Illuminate Adelaide 2021, permanent storytelling installations on silos and landmarks in regional towns around Australia, and a new long‑term projection work on Sydney Town Hall.

For Adelaide Zoo this winter, Drift and Icicle Gateway were crafted by Cindi and the illuminart team. Cindi led the creative direction of the Minchin House and garden experience, and constructed the Icicle Gateway. Animation for Minchin House is by Robert Dinnerville, with electronics and lighting design for the gateway by Trevor Collict, shaping a quietly magical night‑time world for visitors of all ages.