Laboratory of Light

HOTA, Home of the Arts presents ‘Laboratory of Light’ a NORPA Education Production

Thu 14 Aug 2025

Laboratory of Light

THE PERFORMANCE

Part theatre and part interactive research project, Laboratory of Light provides a theatrical lens through which teachers and students can engage with the Science syllabus.

Welcome to the curious and wonder-filled world of Luminous, a backyard scientist who is fascinated by light. Where does light come from? How does it travel? What is it made of?

Luminous spends all night conducting experiments in their garden shed - the Laboratory of Light, in the hope that one day this will lead to recognition and fame. Darkness is lonely and needs a friend but Luminous is afraid of the dark!

One full moon, as an electromagnetic wave travels through the Milky Way, Luminous’ most ambitious invention traps the smallest unit of light, a photon!  This unites an unlikely trio of friends, who embark on a night of discovery together and through live experiments and music, learn about the wonders of light along the way.

THE EXPERIENCE

The adventure begins with the arrival of education resources via Google Classroom, prior to attending the performance, and will spark students’ interest in the topic of light through creative in-class activities. On the day of the performance your class will spend time with Luminous in the Laboratory of Light.

Dates

Thu 14 Aug 2025

Where

Theatre 1

Duration

50 mins
Post show 15-minute Q&A (registration required)

Tickets

Adult $30
Child $27
Students $30
HOTA Artists & Teachers $27
Student Group (6+) $27

Times

Thu 14 August - 10:00am & 12:30pm

Credits

Director and Co-writer: Frauke Huhn
Co-writer : Sara Browne
Performer/Devisors: Padi Bolliger, Sara Browne, Rich Morrod, Cye Wood
Lead designer: Jacqueline Smith
Technical designer: Padi Bolliger
Set and lighting designer: Rich Morrod
Composer: Cye Wood
Education resources creators: Frauke Huhn and Jacqueline Smith
Co-creators: Padi Bolliger, Sara Browne, Frauke Huhn, Rich Morrod, Jacqueline Smith, Cye Wood
NORPA Producer: Sasha Bradbury
Photographer: Kate Holmes

#School Bookings

Please complete the below form to inquire about experiencing HOTA Education Programs.

Email education@hota.com.au for your free education resource pack and to register for the post-show Q&A session with your booking.

Recommended Year Levels: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7

School Bookings

Links to curriculum:

Years 3-6 ACARA 9.0 Descriptors and Elaborations:

Science

Science Understanding – Sub-strand: Physical Sciences

Identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed, and light can be reflected and refracted

Science as a Human Endeavour – Sub-strand: Nature and Development of Science

Examine how advances in science, particularly in light and optics, result from collaboration and building on others’ work.

Drama

Exploring and Responding

View performances by exploring how actors develop characters and their responses to the imaginary world and compare these with audience expectations across different cultures. Reflect on the purpose and cultural influences of live or recorded dramas and consider how these ideas can be applied to your own work. Examine and compare local drama with examples from other cultures and discuss the use of drama elements such as space, time, and character. Share and reflect on the meaning and purpose of your own drama and explore how it helps maintain and revitalise culture.

Music

Exploring and Responding

Analyse music performances by examining instrumentation, forms, and their effects. Explore how music serves personal and communal purposes, compare performer and audience expectations, and discuss how different notations and elements shape musical experiences in the arts.

General Capabilities