LiMBOLAND was the third production in a transformative theatre project that explored the impact of bushfires, floods, and other natural disasters on communities.It premiered in 2024. The series began with RiSING, a youth-focused show that emerged from a three-term residency at Byron Bay High School in 2022.
This three-year project was made possible through the generous support of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency, Create NSW, FRRR, and the ETREA Foundation, with wellbeing support from RAMHP - Regional Adversity Mental Health Program.
There are 2 versions of this show. A professional 2 handed show by Aurora Kurth & Dave Houston where the 2 actors play over 30 characters. The 2nd version features a youth cast of 13 young actors aged 11-18 years old.
Full-On Theatre is seeking funding to perform a youth-cast remix of LiMBOLAND a reimagined version of the original production in 2026.
This three-year project was made possible through the generous support of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency, Create NSW, FRRR, and the ETREA Foundation, with wellbeing support from RAMHP - Regional Adversity Mental Health Program.
There are 2 versions of this show. A professional 2 handed show by Aurora Kurth & Dave Houston where the 2 actors play over 30 characters. The 2nd version features a youth cast of 13 young actors aged 11-18 years old.
Full-On Theatre is seeking funding to perform a youth-cast remix of LiMBOLAND a reimagined version of the original production in 2026.
LiMBOLAND is a poignant amalgam of true stories from around the country portraying the impact of natural disasters and the power of community when times get hard....
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LiMBOLAND is a powerful multi character play depicting the struggles of survivors and the heroes who emerged from Australia’s unforgettable summer of 2020, played by Aurora Kurth & Dave Houston. LiMBOLAND takes to the stage with the true stories of fires, floods and storms by those left stranded in a tent city of broken dreams and the many who step up to give a helping hand.
Actors play over 30 characters, who’s stories are based on interviews with communities affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires (2009), the Northern Rivers and Lismore floods of February (2022) and the Coffs Harbour hailstorm (2021).
Actors play over 30 characters, who’s stories are based on interviews with communities affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires (2009), the Northern Rivers and Lismore floods of February (2022) and the Coffs Harbour hailstorm (2021).
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A 25 minute documentary on a theatre project with 13 Young people from COFFS HARBOUR April, 2024
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TESTIMONIALS
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WHAT YOUTH CAST MEMBERS SAY
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WHAT PARENTS SAY
As a parent of a teen with an intellectual disability I observed a level of inclusion and involvement in Limboland that I had not seen previously. My son, and the cast, were given full opportunity to work together in a dynamic and supportive space. - Karlee Brown - Parent
As a parent and survivor of a devastating natural disaster, "Limboland" was more than just a theatre production—it was a journey of healing and hope. When our family lost everything in a freak hailstorm, it felt as though the very essence of our lives was shattered and swept away. The weight of rebuilding was immense, both physically and emotionally, but perhaps the hardest part was finding a way to navigate this devastation as a family while trying to remain strong for our kids.
Watching "Limboland" at the Jetty Theatre in Coffs Harbour was transformative. The stories portrayed felt as though they were speaking directly to us. For the first time, we saw our pain, struggles, and triumphs reflected on stage. The humour, the resilience, and the raw emotion brought a cathartic release that allowed us to truly begin processing what we’d been through. It reminded us that we weren't alone in this journey—there’s a community of people who understand and have walked a similar path.
What touched me most as a parent was the spotlight on opportunities for regional kids. Living in a regional area, I often worry that our children won’t have access to the same experiences as those in urban settings. Seeing young talent and stories from our own backyard celebrated on stage filled me with pride and hope. It showed my children that their stories matter too, and that our regional community has so much to offer in terms of creativity and resilience.
"Limboland" isn’t just a performance—it’s a reminder of our strength and a beacon of light for anyone who has endured loss. It’s a testament to the fact that even when we lose everything, we can rebuild, not just homes, but hope and a sense of belonging. Di - Parent, April, 2024
As a parent of a teen with an intellectual disability I observed a level of inclusion and involvement in Limboland that I had not seen previously. My son, and the cast, were given full opportunity to work together in a dynamic and supportive space. - Karlee Brown - Parent
As a parent and survivor of a devastating natural disaster, "Limboland" was more than just a theatre production—it was a journey of healing and hope. When our family lost everything in a freak hailstorm, it felt as though the very essence of our lives was shattered and swept away. The weight of rebuilding was immense, both physically and emotionally, but perhaps the hardest part was finding a way to navigate this devastation as a family while trying to remain strong for our kids.
Watching "Limboland" at the Jetty Theatre in Coffs Harbour was transformative. The stories portrayed felt as though they were speaking directly to us. For the first time, we saw our pain, struggles, and triumphs reflected on stage. The humour, the resilience, and the raw emotion brought a cathartic release that allowed us to truly begin processing what we’d been through. It reminded us that we weren't alone in this journey—there’s a community of people who understand and have walked a similar path.
What touched me most as a parent was the spotlight on opportunities for regional kids. Living in a regional area, I often worry that our children won’t have access to the same experiences as those in urban settings. Seeing young talent and stories from our own backyard celebrated on stage filled me with pride and hope. It showed my children that their stories matter too, and that our regional community has so much to offer in terms of creativity and resilience.
"Limboland" isn’t just a performance—it’s a reminder of our strength and a beacon of light for anyone who has endured loss. It’s a testament to the fact that even when we lose everything, we can rebuild, not just homes, but hope and a sense of belonging. Di - Parent, April, 2024
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WHAT YOUTH CAST MEMBERS SAY
Limboland was a truly important experience to me and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. Not only did I meet amazing young actors in my area, but I got to perform a play which contains real stories, and real impact. My town and so many of my friends in Lismore, Mullumbimby and other places have been devastatingly affected by floods, fires and other natural disasters. To be able to inform and raise awareness about these tragedies through theatre, one of my favourite things in the world was such a special and impactful thing. My voice felt heard in my own community like it never has before, and the amount of people who asked me, ‘where are you performing next?’ was stunning. The effect that we had on our audience was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. Thank you so much! Theo - Cast Member - April, 2024 =========================================================== Being part of Limboland has been amazing! I love drama and being on stage, but this was more than just acting—it was about telling real stories that matter. We performed scenes about bushfires, floods, and the huge hailstorm that hit our town. It made me think about how much the world is changing and how scary it can be. But being in this play also gave me hope because we got to show how strong and brave people can be when they help each other. I feel like our voices really matter, and that’s why I’m so passionate about climate action. When people watched our show, you could see they were really listening. It made me proud to be part of something that could make a difference! Testimonial from a Nya - 12-Year-Old Participant April, 2024 =========================================================== WHAT PARENTS SAY I have experienced the devastation of losing everything in a natural disaster, watching my children take part in LiMBOLAND was an emotional and deeply healing journey. When our home was destroyed, we felt lost—adrift in a world that no longer felt secure. The trauma of that experience lingered, affecting not only me but my entire family, especially my children. LiMBOLAND gave my children an opportunity to process those emotions in a way I never could have imagined. Being part of this production allowed them to connect with others who understood what they had been through, to express their pain and resilience through storytelling, and to find a sense of purpose and empowerment in the process. Seeing them step onto that stage, telling stories that reflected our own struggles, was profoundly moving. In regional areas, opportunities like this are rare. Our children often miss out on creative outlets that allow them to explore emotions, build confidence, and develop skills that go far beyond the stage. LiMBOLAND didn’t just give our children a role in a play—it gave them a voice, a sense of belonging, and a way to heal. For families like ours, who have endured loss and uncertainty, this production was more than theatre—it was a lifeline. I am beyond grateful for the chance it gave my children and so many others to turn their pain into something powerful. - Geoff - Parent of cast members, April, 2024 =========================================================== It was such a delight to watch Theo in Limboland. The stories were so powerful and the performances were incredible. It clearly resonated with the audience and Theo had the most incredible acting experience. To watch their presence on the stage was inspiring. Jo Parent - Theo's mum, April, 2024 =========================================================== WHAT YOUTH CAST MEMBERS SAY I loved Limboland because of the awesome music, sounds, and the acting. I enjoyed all of it. It was so awesome. I really loved being on stage, having a microphone. It was so awesome. I really love the show feels, about climate change, the environment around us. Oh my gosh, it was next level. Compliments to the chef, as I say. That’s a hit show, it definitely needs a sequel. My name is Raji. Au revoir guys! - Cast Member =========================================================== The Limboland experiment facilitated an intensely personal healing process that previously I didn't even know I needed. We unflinchingly looked at all of the effects of natural disasters. I found this enlightening on a familial level: my grandfather fought as a volunteer rural firefighter in the black summer bush fires, I have extended family who lost the contents of their homes in the 2022 Lismore flood, and my family and suburb suffered extreme damage due to a freak hail storm in 2021. In the Limboland documentary you will see news footage of a man in yellow high vis standing on top of a roof sweeping hail off of it. That is my father and that is the house directly across the road from ours. Limboland is a story of loss, but it's also a story of hope. I believe that this message of hope is needed now more than ever before. This is especially true for my generation who largely feel like they dare not hope for the future as they inherit a decaying climate resulting in ever-more frequent natural disasters. The Limboland cast were a group of young people with incredible chemistry, working together, supporting each other, and creating a safe space for all of us to process our shared trauma and make something beautiful from it. I am so proud of the work we did, and I hope we get the opportunity to spread our message of hope further. "Don't wanna be fearful, for tomorrow ... We'll find a home in Limboland" - Jess Cast Member ===========================================================Limboland wasn't just a play, it was a journey,a place of healing and most importantly a family. In my personal life, my family went through the 2021 hailstorm. It devastated my family and destroyed our home, and I think the hardest bit of that was having been told you have 20 mins to collect your childhood . Being able to be a part of Limboland has helped me recover from my experience, and to understand that many others have been through tough times similar to mine. Limboland has given regional kids the opportunity to develop their skills in drama and portray issues that are relevant to them in theatre, and to highlight the importance of the disasters of climate change and its effects. - Jacinta - Cast Member =========================================================== Being part of Limboland has been one of the most challenging yet deeply rewarding experiences. Stepping into the shoes of different characters—each with their own story of loss, resilience, and hope—has been a profound journey. These are real stories from real people, and it’s been my mission to honor their experiences with authenticity and care. What makes this production so special is its ability to balance heartbreak with humor, showing the full spectrum of human strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. As an actor and natural disaster survivor, it’s an incredible privilege to help bring these voices to life and share these stories with audiences. There’s a unique energy in the room that is unlike any performance I have done before. Performing in Limboland has been not only an artistic journey but also a deeply personal one for me. When the 2021 hailstorm hit Coffs Harbour, I lost my home and everything inside it. It was a moment that completely upended my life—a mix of disbelief, grief, and uncertainty about how to start over. The process of creating this play has been profoundly healing. Each story I portray helps me process my own experiences in new ways. Walking in the shoes of others who’ve faced similar losses has reminded me that, while disasters can strip away so much, they also reveal the resilience within us and the strength we find in community. Limboland gave me an outlet to channel my emotions in my art, to give voice to what so many of us went through, and to find solidarity in shared experiences. This production isn’t just a performance for me—it’s a tribute to everyone who’s had to rebuild, including myself. It’s a reminder that, even in the most devastating moments, there’s always hope and the chance to heal. -Saskia - Cast Member =========================================================== WHAT PARENTS SAY As a parent of a teen with an intellectual disability I observed a level of inclusion and involvement in Limboland that I had not seen previously. My son, and the cast, were given full opportunity to work together in a dynamic and supportive space. The diversity of the cast was not just welcome but celebrated and appreciated. Dave and the crew were professional, calm and collaborative through the entire process of this project, I was very impressed. Limboland is something very special, for the youth involved and the audience. - Karlee, Parent =========================================================== Watching my child take part in Limboland has been an incredibly powerful experience. They have always loved drama and being on stage, but this production was different—it wasn’t just about performing; it was about telling important stories that reflect what our communities have been through. The way these young people portrayed the impact of bushfires, floods, and hailstorms was both heartbreaking and inspiring. As a parent, I was deeply moved by how much they learned—not just about theatre, but about resilience, climate change, and the power of storytelling. It gave them a voice, a way to process their own fears, and a sense of purpose in taking action. Seeing their confidence grow and their passion for climate awareness deepen has been incredible. I’m so grateful for this experience and the way it has empowered our kids to make a difference. - Ange, Parent of cast member, April, 2024 |
A SLIDE SHOW OF THE PROFESSIONAL SHOW PERFORMED AT BRUNSWICK PICTURE HOUSE - APRIL 2024
“A tour-de-force of multi-character acting, gritty drama laced with wry
country humour and a melodious blend of music, song and soundscape,
LiMBOLAND is a dynamic piece of full-on theatre!”
Zeal Theatre Director, Stefo Nantsou
country humour and a melodious blend of music, song and soundscape,
LiMBOLAND is a dynamic piece of full-on theatre!”
Zeal Theatre Director, Stefo Nantsou
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A massive thanks to Create NSW, National Recovery and Resilience Agency, Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, ETREA Foundation
for funding the project.
for funding the project.