Botanica Lumina: Twelfth Night

Botanica Lumina: Twelfth Night was Shakespeare South’s 2021 and 2022 outdoor production of Shakespeare’s comedy of love, madness and mistaken identity, first staged after dark on the Palm House lawns of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The production explored script adaptation and staging through biophilic design principles to enhance liveness and connection to nature.

The sold out season was capped at 300 audience members per night under COVID safe conditions and later continued at Carrick Hill House Museum and Garden in January 2022. The Carrick Hill season returned the production to a summer garden setting, with original live music composed and performed by Michaela Burger and Renaissance lute performed by James Logan.

Cast:
Antonia—Britt Plummer
Feste—Michaela Burger
Malvolio—Michael Baldwin
Mariah—Kate van der Horst
Olivia—Alys Daroy
Orsino—Shedrick Yarkpai
Sir Andrew Aguecheek / Sebastian—David Daradan
Sir Toby Belch—Paul Westbrook
Viola—Melanie Munt

​Creative Team: ​
Choreography: Paul Westbrook
Co-Direction: Britt Plummer and Jess Clough-Macrae
Musical Direction and Composition: Michaela Burger
Movement Direction: Jess Clough-Macrae & Samuel Dugmore 
Script Adaptation/Concept: Alys Daroy

Songs by Michaela Burger:
Come Away Death
Hey Robin
Hold Thy Peace
I Am Gone Sir
O Mistress Mine
Hey, Ho, the Wind and the Rain

Audience Responses:

“I was left spellbound by the quality and depth of performance; the warmth and quality of the production will linger in my soul.” — Audience member

“Professional, polished and perfect.” — Audience member

“We were laughing the entire way through — the actual best Shakespeare I have EVER seen!” — Audience member

“Thank you for bringing my schoolgirl Shakespeare back to life!” — Audience member

“I’ve never laughed at Shakespeare before. Now I have. He’s actually funny. Fabulous job!” — Audience member

“A boisterous, joyous retelling… probably closer to those performed at the Globe Theatre.” — Audience member

“A truly joyous and boisterous romp of a play.” — Audience member

“Such a wonderful show! My whole family loved it!” — Audience member

“What a fantastic show. The kids loved it!” — Audience member

“These actors were absolutely sensational. What a brilliant performance — I absolutely loved it!” — Audience member

“Performed with skill and grace. Bravo!” — Audience member

“I would hate to pick a favourite — they were all so good!” — Audience member

“Incredible job! These actors were absolutely sensational — I laughed SO hard!” — Audience member

“Absolutely loved it. Had us all laughing so hard.” — Audience member

“Great laugh, great show, great setting, great company.” — Audience member

“A magical and quirky night out… tremendous performance from all involved!” — Audience member

“A delightful night… a night to remember.” — Audience member

“It was AMAZING!” — Audience member

“Fantastic show. We loved everything about it and can’t wait for your next production.”
— Audience member

“Better than any Twelfth Night I have seen, including at the Globe and on the West End.” — Audience member

“Amazing performances by all involved. Looking forward to seeing what’s next!” — Audience member

“Incredibly talented. Please do this again.” — Audience member

“Such a wonderful show… thanks for doing it so brilliantly.” — Audience member
“Thank you for an amazing performance — what rain? I never noticed.” — Audience member

“An excellent show, brilliant.” — Audience member

“A great night — we thoroughly enjoyed it.” — Audience member

“Loved Twelfth Night at Carrick Hill — encore!” — Audience member

“Loved your production of Twelfth Night at Carrick Hill.” — Audience member

“A most enjoyable production.” — Audience member

“Such a perfect birthday gift. Please consider another performance!” — Audience member