Reef UP! combines the latest scientific research with the magic of theatre to share the story of what is happening to our coral reefs, and what we can do to help.

Meet a sea-full of loveable characters (and villains): Manta and Ray, Slinky the shark, clown fish, Minkie whales, and a devious Crown of Thorns starfish called Priscilla!

Using dance, theatre, and some amazing costumes, audiences learn how all life on the reef is interrelated. If a single organism or species is affected or declines in number it can have a huge ripple effect both down and up the Great Barrier Reef’s food chain.

To a soundtrack of popular songs and original music, Reef UP! highlights the beauty and precarious nature of the reef ecosystems across the globe, and helps students explore the simple things that they can do to help preserve these breathtaking environments.

Australia is taking the lead in collaborative scientific and arts research, and this will be acclaimed choreographer Liz Lea’s third joint venture after the success of Flying Facts (a theatrical exploration of the history and science of flight) and Star Struck (a dance-based response to astronomy and the science of the Big Bang).

Developed with support from QL2 Dance Canberra and an impressive array of leading scientific collaborators: including three people recently featured on David Attenborough’s documentary about the Great Barrier Reef.