The Magic of Metaphor and Autographical Storytelling

Bridges to Host White Rabbit Theatre Transformative Writers’ Workshop “Here I Come”

The Magic of Metaphor and Autographical Storytelling

As a companion to the acclaimed one-woman show Ready or Not, coming to Bundaberg for two performances (November 22nd and 23rd) Bridges and White Rabbit Theatre is thrilled to present Here I Come, an immersive and complimentary storytelling workshop that aims to empower participants to tap into their own narratives. Taking place on November 21 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, this two-hour workshop invites anyone aged 16 and over to explore the transformative potential of personal storytelling.

The workshop builds upon the themes explored in Ready or Not, a powerhouse solo performance by Ainslee Palmer, which explores resilience and self-discovery. Known for its innovative approach, White Rabbit Theatre brings the same playful energy into Here I Come. Using games and creative exercises, participants are guided through White Rabbit’s unique storytelling process, encouraging them to uncover and craft their stories in a supportive, dynamic environment.

“At White Rabbit, we believe that everyone has a story worth telling,” explains a representative from the company. “Our approach is rooted in play because it allows people to explore personal experiences without pressure, creating a space where vulnerability and creativity thrive.”

Arts-led wellbeing is a cornerstone of Bridges philosophy, with Here I Come offering a healing and empowering outlet for participants. Research shows that storytelling can enhance wellbeing, helping people make sense of their experiences and fostering a sense of community. The workshop's playful structure helps break down barriers, allowing participants to delve into personal stories while feeling supported and inspired.

This workshop not only provides a taste of theatre-making but also aligns with Bridges mission to make art accessible and transformative. Ainslee Palmer’s Ready or Not exemplifies this mission, using theatre to explore resilience and self-discovery in a way that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. The workshop will give participants a rare opportunity to experience White Rabbit’s creative techniques firsthand and discover how their own stories can be powerful tools for expression and healing.

Here I Come Workshop:

When: Thursday, 21st November | 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Where: Bundaberg – Venue to be announced

Cost: $25

Tickets: https://bit.ly/here-i-come

Contact Bridges: 1300 707 655 | communications@bas.org.au

About Ainslee Palmer | Co-Artistic Director

Ainslee Palmer is an Actor, Theatre Maker, Producer and Movement Director with a passion for play and artistic curiosity. After graduating from the University of Southern Queensland with a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Theatre/Acting) in 2013, Ainslee moved to New York City where she worked with Tectonic Theatre Project as a teaching artist and performer with various theatre companies. In 2017 Ainslee moved to Brisbane and worked in Arts Health in several aged care facilities around Southeast Queensland: facilitating workshops with people living with dementia. In 2018, Ainslee formed a strong collaboration with White Rabbit Theatre as a performer, producer and facilitator and in 2019 joined the company as Associate Director. Ainslee is debuted her one-woman show ‘Ready or Not’ at HOTA Home of the Arts in April 2024. Ainslee describes her practice as a feminist-based, inclusive environment to break rules, give a voice to the voiceless.

About Lisa Smith | Founder & Co-Artistic Director

Lisa Smith is a theatre maker, director, actor and writer who has worked over the last 22 years in London, Melbourne, Townsville and on the Gold Coast; where she founded White Rabbit Theatre in 2012. Lisa is passionate about collaboration and creating new work for theatre; thus far with WRT she has developed new works including ‘The Grand’ by Victoria Carless (Director/Producer), which was subsequently published by PlayLab Australia, ‘Slide Night’ by Victoria Carless (Director/Actor) presented as part of Bleach* Festival, ‘Pocketful of Pebbles by Victoria Carless, Lisa Smith and Tammy Weller (Director/Co-writer) presented at HOTA Home of the Arts, and ‘Love Means Nothing in Tennis’ Various Playwrights (Director/Writer ‘More of a Jan’) presented at Dust Temple. Lisa led the WRT team in creating a new immersive puppetry work ‘Agnes & Earl’ for the 2018 Commonwealth Games cultural program, Festival 2018, and was also an Artist in Residence at Bleach* Festival in 2022 where she created a solo theatre work ‘A Heart Stops Beating’. She is currently one of the ArtKeepers at HOTA Home of the Arts where she is creating a large scale work for theatre called AWAKE with collaborator Vicky Falconer (Co-Artistic Director Hayes Theatre Sydney, ‘Once’ by Darlinghurst Theatre, Fringe Wives Club).

Want to find out more about White Rabbit Theatre, click here