Up There (Wayalup)

Up There (Wayalup) was a site responsive audio walking tour of empty spaces in the city of Wayalup. Hosted by three effervescent and caring young guides, it is part immersive experience, part documentary, part verbatim theatre and a fulfilling entertainment experience.

The tour group meets in Wayalup Koort, the area in front of the brand new council buildings and overlooking, among other things, the 1843 St John’s church and 1887 town hall. The participants are given safety instructions and information, before focusing on a stranger in the area, and imagining their story.

As the group move gently through the CBD they examine the empty spaces, including unused parts of the Town Hall, unoccupied retail space, the vacant upper stories, the currently unused Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, and the vacant for decades Wool Store.

A fabulous way to explore a place that “you thought you knew” and an examination of change and evolution. There is also an overarching Nyoongar perspective that offers an even greater sense of the power of time.

I am hoping that Up There might become a series that looks at other paces in Western Australia. A heart-warming and eye-opening piece of entertainment that inspires deeper thinking.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Roel Loopers