Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
On July 11th and 12th, families are invited to the Gualala Arts Center to step inside a storybook adventure with The Wylding Woods, an immersive outdoor theatre experience from Mill Valley’s immersive producer Woander World. More than a show, The Wylding Woods blends puppetry, kid’s creativity and play as children and their families become the heroes of a magical quest through the redwoods.
Given a mission by the storybook fairy Lexivandrielle, adventurers set out to awaken the ancient spirit Greenheart, finding clues, casting spells, and helping magical fairy tale creatures.
“Our live experience invites children to become an integral part of the story where their actions drive the adventure forward,” says Director and Writer Matthew Purdon. “In today’s screen-saturated world, this is a rare opportunity for kids to not just consume but co-create a fairy tale together surrounded by natural beauty.”
Purdon, a trained actor, artist and technology designer, was the co-founder of Odyssey Works, an early pioneer in transformative immersive experiences. He first dreamed up The Wylding Woods on walks through the redwoods of Sea Ranch with his children where his family owns a home. He then further developed it through workshops and playtests with Bay Area families, culminating in a sold-out run of the show last October in Mill Valley.
The Puppeteer Ensemble includes many members of the San Francisco Bay Area Puppeteers Guild: Esther deMonteflore (The Monkey King, SF Opera) Gabrielle Greenfield (Radio Disney, Children’s Fairyland), Fred Riley (The Monkey King, SF Opera), Uel McGinnis (Puppet Show at the End of Time) and Lisa Zagone. Additional performers include Bay Area actors Eriette Atanante (Play Theatre, Rabbit Hole Theatre), Caitlin Gjerdrum (Palo Alto Players, Bread & Puppet Theatre). Original costumes by Aurie Stetzel. Puppets by Charlie Orchard, Hobey Ford, Images In Motion and Puppet Kitchen.
Performances will take place at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. on both days. Tickets are $25 in advance and +$5 on the day of the show. They are available at Gualala Arts, the Dolphin Gallery, and online at GualalaArts.org. Support the event and purchase a sponsor ticket for $100 that includes admission for 2 and an extra special experience. Scholarships available for low income families, contact Sus at SusGualalaArts@gmail.com