Immersive experience, Olfactory art & design

Pup’s Smelly Adventure

Posted by tammyburnstock on

Pup’s Smelly Adventure (2017) is an interactive scented experience for young children. Within the verdant outdoors, the young audience – alongside Emma and her trusted Pup – use their noses as guiding compasses to solve the mystery of Pup’s missing chew shoe, deciphering clues veiled in a mist of scents. As the tale unfurls, children uncover hidden shoes, each with a unique aroma: from dog musk and blossoming flowers to tempting chocolate. The pinnacle of the quest lies in identifying the one shoe carrying the signature scent of Pup’s lost treasure. Pup’s Smelly Adventure introduces a playful interaction of dialogue, song, and invigorating scent-laden sniffing.

The captivating show is penned and performed by the talented puppeteer, Emma de Vries, alongside writer and director Tammy Burnstock and early childhood advisor Judith Keyser. This trio has collaborated for years, contributing their expertise to beloved ABC shows such as Play School and Mixy. The experience’s fragrances are masterfully crafted by Saskia Wilson-Brown from the Institute for Art and Olfaction.

Production Year: 2017
Length: 45 minutes | Number of scents: 4
Team: Tammy Burnstock, Emma de Vries, Judith Keyser, Saskia Wilson-Brown.

First presented at the Plunkett Street Public School, Woolloomooloo, Australia.

The titular Pup himself.

A portrait of the titular Pup himself: a black and white shaggy dog.
Pup and Emma de Vries guide the kids on a vibrant outdoor exploration. One curious child reaches out, engaging directly with Pup.
The kids and Pup stumble upon a shoe! Now, they'll sniff it out to see if it's Pup's by its signature scent.
Pup meets another dog over a low fence, their noses touching in a friendly nuzzle.
Fresh fruit aromas hit the air! Young audiences first tune in with a nasal warm-up, diving into the world of scents with eyes closed.
Jars covered in punctured aluminum foil so that the children must use their sense of smell. Without sight, the audience must rely on their nose. The audience share their experiences, then playfully challenge themselves to identify both familiar and unexpected aromas.
Pup, Emma, and Tammy sit in front of the children. A child raises their hand and Tammy calls on them.
Four small vials of fragrances, reading dog, flowers, exotic, and chocolate.