by Carla Caruso

A new theatrical installation is being staged at Rymill Park Lake as part of the Adelaide Fringe. And it involves creatures from the deep – specifically, mermaids!

The installation, Natural Habitat – Mermaids of Rymill Park, sees performers in costume take up residence on and around the lake. 

The exhibition takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk through, with attendees getting the chance to chat with the ‘sea life’. (At night, light show Borealis takes over the space in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka – Park 14.)

It’s another example of how the natural environment can be used as a stage, without the need for permanent structures. (Hello, Premier Steven Marshall and his proposed $662 million stadium.) 

We spoke to Lauren Eisinger, the installation’s producer, to find out more about the show.

Hi, Lauren. Please tell us how the idea for the theatrical installation came about.

The Fringe is a great place to experiment and take risks. [Venue hub] Gluttony used the lake area of Rymill Park as part of its site for the first time last year and wanted to offer something in the area for families. 

I love creating work that encourages people to use their imagination and suspend disbelief. 

Making the impossible real, by creating a mermaid sanctuary, seemed a perfect way to bring the beautiful lakeside area to life with an imaginative encounter. 

Why did Rymill Park Lake make for a good setting?

It’s the perfect large body of water, close to all the Fringe action, surrounded by beautiful Park Land. 

It’s easy for families to get to and navigate, a path around it makes it accessible, and the addition of the ducks who live there lend a perfect authenticity to the presence of the mermaids. 

Has the installation been staged elsewhere before? If so, where?

This season is the world premiere! We’re absolutely delighted to be able to stage this in such a perfect setting. We want to take the mermaids to other festivals and events around the country, and hopefully, make a return trip to Adelaide in the future. 

How many performers are involved, and where are they from?

We have five mermaids, played by 15 artists, across the duration of the festival. Some are from Adelaide and others have come from interstate to perform with us. 

All are world-class artists who brilliantly bring our colourful characters to life. 

With COVID-19 restrictions, do you see natural/outdoor environments becoming more common settings for shows?

Absolutely. I work across many different festivals and there is a significant rise in the use of outdoor setting for shows. 

I love bringing theatre out of traditional settings, and when you have such beautiful natural environments, they become characters in the production. 

What do you hope attendees get out of the experience?

A sense of wonder, joy, and possibility. It’s a moment of escape from the everyday, right on your doorstep in the middle of the city. 

Maybe even after the mermaids are gone, audiences will come back to the lake, admire the incredible natural setting in its own right, and remember the experience.