U R Back
Are you ready to play?
IT is back! A weird creature has taken over Martin Luckie Park… and it thinks it knows what you want. Are you ready to play between the familiar and the new?
Barbarian’s radical, wondrous, and playful outdoor event for the people of Pōneke is back! Bring a friend, your children, or even Nana and discover a whole new open-world adventure of weirdness and wonder.
Presented as part of NZ Fringe 2024, U R Back is where you want to be this Summer in Pōneke.
Dates/Times
February 2024:
Friday 16th, 4-6pm
Saturday 17th, 3-6pm
Sunday 18th, 3-6pm
Tickets: $10, or 2 for $10
(it’s more fun to play with friends)
Location
Martin Luckie Park, Lavaud St Berhampore
“Much more than a walk in the park.”
F.A.Q
What is U R Back?
Inspired partly by open-world video games, U R Back combines game design, theatre and puppetry with interactive activities to create an experience that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. There is no set path to follow, once you arrive you are free to roam as you wish; you can stay for an hour or for three.
People of Aotearoa love to be outdoors - having a barbecue, going out for a picnic or to visit the beach… we wanted to mix that up with our love of creativity and play and offer everyone in Wellington a new way to enjoy their outdoor spaces.
Is it accessible?
We have taken steps to make U R Back more accessible this year! It’s still a very active event and to explore all of the secrets you’d need to do a fair bit of walking. But U R Back is a pick-your-own-level-of-adventure-kind-of performance so you can go where best suits you. The terrain is mostly grass, including some hills in the Berhampore Golf Course.
D/deaf Accessibility
The entire company has attended a Deaf Awareness and NZSL Workshop with NZSL4U. We have learnt a few key sentences with NZSL4U so we can welcome and engage our Deaf audience members! We have the ‘Hello. I’m Deaf’ cards (which Health New Zealand created) up at the caravan/ticket booth if you want one. We have a Wheelchair User Map and a U R Back Map available as a pdf above. We have visual and written instructions for most of the games and play spaces on site.
Neurodivergent Accessibility
We have a Social Story for you to read online or print and read at home. This is for you to either orientate yourself before arriving or prepare your child and family.
We have a map this year, too! If surprises just aren’t for you and your family we have a detailed map. This map points out all the play spaces, toilets, and the entrances and exits. You can plan your route ahead of time or use it to help prepare your family before coming out to play. While we love open-world play and big surprises, we understand not everyone likes this or has capacity for these things.
Wheelchair & Physical Accessibility
Accessibility Map
We have created a Wheelchair User Map which points out… accessible parking areas and toilets, wheelchair viable paths, locations of the zones, alternative secondary entrance.
The Main Entrance
Martin Luckie Park (on Lavaud Street), is the main entrance for U R Back. Up here there are three Accessible Car Parks and two Accessible Toilets. You will need to display your mobility access card in order to use these onsite car parks. If there are no parks available on arrival call 022 489 1284.
Martin Luckie Park Clubrooms
We have installed ramps so you can go enjoy THE NEST inside.
Martin Luckie Park Grounds
The driveway from the Clubrooms down to the Martin Luckie Park Grounds is VERY steep and not Wheelchair Friendly. But, if you choose to, with the help of a strong friend or a few of our strong Wing People you can be taken down to explore The Carnival. Wing People will be at the main entrance and can help out.
Concourse Viewing Spot & Chill Space
There is a viewing spot and Chill Space at the end of the Martin Luckie Park Grounds for you to enjoy a panoramic view of the Golf Course and all the wondrous play happening down there.
Island Bay Scout Hall
If you drive down to the Island Bay Scout Hall (9-11 Dover Street,) you can go play around at THE ETERNAL GAME. There are at least two Accessible Car Parks down here but no accessible toilets. The grass space is lumpy but is possible to navigate.
Berhampore Golf Course
We are not recommending it… but if you want to go explore the play spaces on the Golf Course and have a great team with you, you are so welcome to explore.
Have we tested the entire event grounds with a wheelchair user?
Yes we have! Disclaimer though… our wheelchair user was a small 7 year old child in an unpowered chair. And, a strong mum was pushing them around. But, they did manage to walk everywhere. So, if you really want to go explore, and have a great team with you – anything is possible!
Golf Buggy Tour
If you’d love a tour of the grounds from the Golf Buggy you are more than welcome to book by emailing amy@barbarian.co.nz. Let us know the date and time you’d like to arrive. A tour is 30 minutes. The Golf Buggy has very basic seats with seat belts. If you don’t book ahead we may still be able to offer you and your family a tour. The Golf Buggy seats up to five people including the driver.
What if it rains?
It’s an outdoor event, so we are at the mercy of the weather. A little wind won’t deter us, and nor will a bit of damp, but if it’s really too nasty to play and the event is cancelled, ticket-holders will be contacted with options.
Who’s this show for?
Anyone who likes fun, nature and adventuring. It’s fun for all the family - especially if everyone likes to move!
What do I need to bring?
Bring clothes for all weather conditions.
Sensible shoes for walking on grass.
Water to keep hydrated – there will be a refilling station on-site.
Snacks or even a picnic if you like!
Friends and whānau – it’s more fun to play with a group so the more people you can have in your party, the better!
