From Lake to Line: Nature-Inspired Poetry and Puppetry

Discover the magic of puppetry and poetry in this creative and engaging workshop led by the internationally experienced puppeteer and educator Rachel Riggs and emerging Indian-Australian poet Lakshmi Kanchi!

This dynamic workshop invites participants to explore puppetry and poetry as creative tools for storytelling, cultural expression, and connection to nature. Led by internationally experienced puppeteer and educator Rachel Riggs, and emerging Indian-Australian poet Lakshmi Kanchi, the program blends artistic practice with community engagement. Lakshmi will facilitate poetry-writing sessions focused on themes of identity, nature, and belonging, while Rachel will guide participants in crafting imaginative puppets using natural materials sourced from Bibra Lake. Together, their approach fosters creativity, social well-being, and a deeper appreciation of the environment, offering a meaningful and enjoyable experience for participants of all ages.

Date: Sunday, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th November and 7th, 14th (Performance) December 2025
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Location: Education Room, The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, 184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake WA 6163

Suitable Age Groups: All ages/family, accompanied by adults

Just $120 for the full 6-week course
✔️ Covers one adult + one child
✔️ That’s only $20 per session for quality creative time together
✔️ Extra children? Just $10 per session
👶 Babies in arms join free

Spaces are limited – secure your spot today!

Nature Create Puppetry & Poetry performance and workshop day will be held on Sunday 14th December 10-12pm in the Main Hall.

The performance is free for course participants and a general public Wild in Wetlands family ticket. The performance will showcase content learnt throughout the course.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is a family program – children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are welcome to join in with kids during the session.

What to Bring:

Any personal items you’d like to incorporate into your puppet (e.g. fabric scraps, natural materials)
Water bottle
Comfortable clothing

Provided:

A variety of writing and art materials
Expert guidance and educational resources

Suitable Age Groups: All ages/ families, accompanied by adults

This program is sponsored by: The WA Government, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport & Healthway - Creativity & Wellbeing for Young people fund.

About the Presenters:

Lakshmi Kanchi (SoulReserve) is an emerging Western Australian poet of Indian descent. Her poetry explores love and its tumultuousness, fantasy and zest in nature, and allegories that provoke thought and evoke tender feelings. Her writing anatomises the complex linkages between history, language, culture, perception, and nature. She is a Centre for Stories fellow and the recipient of the 2021 Pocketry Prize for Unpublished Poets. Her poem "Watermarks" was shortlisted for the South Coast Writers Centre's 2022 Poetry Prize. She is the current Poet-in-Residence at The Wetlands Centre Cockburn where she is working towards making poetry accessible to everyone in the wider community.

Rachel Riggs is an internationally recognised creative learning specialist and founder of Imaginary Leaps, a platform for inspiring creativity through play and art. With a Master’s in Fine Art and extensive experience in visual theatre, puppetry, and sensory arts, Rachel has worked with leading cultural institutions worldwide, including the Tate Modern, Sensorium Theatre, and the State Library of Western Australia. Her workshops emphasise emotional and social well-being, fostering self-confidence, collaboration, and artistic expression in participants of all ages.

Spaces are limited—reserve your place today for a morning of artistic exploration and creative fun!

This program is strictly for children and families. Adults are welcome to attend only as guardians accompanying children (for reasons of child-safety). We cannot accept bookings from adults not accompanied by children.