All-inclusive Fringe performance to showcase talented cast

ONE of Fringe World Festival’s most unique performances is taking place right in Cockburn’s backyard.

While Aladdin the Pantomime may not be a new concept, Dance Ability Performing Arts Kelete (DAPAK)’s performance will feature a cast comprised entirely of actors living with a disability.

In a Fringe first, the three performances at the Phoenix Theatre in Hamilton Hill from February 7-9 will feature 25 DAPAK performers who live with disabilities from autism to cerebral palsy.

DAPAK chairwoman Kelly Mattravers said the challenge was daunting, given it was the first time they’d taken a production to a professional level, but they were looking forward to it nonetheless.

“We constantly strive to create opportunities for people with disabilities. For many of the cast members, it’s one of the first times they’ve taken a performance to such a public level,” she said.

“For these guys to have learnt a script and be on stage, step out of their comfort zone, it’s one of the biggest things they’ve ever done.”

DAPAK is a Hamilton Hill association for dance and students with special needs, providing dance and music therapy to hundreds of students.

They also run Dance Ability Nightclub events at The Newport Hotel in Fremantle, special exclusive nights which allow people living with a disability to enjoy a night of dancing in a relaxed atmosphere.

Having previously performed during National Ability Week to glowing reviews, DAPAK approached Fringe to ask if they could perform under their banner and the response was an overwhelming affirmative, with the festival even waiving some of the costs.

Mrs Mattravers loved working on the performance with the team.

“They’re getting a self-confidence they may well have had before, but it’s more visible. They’re on stage, not just reading the script, but doing a little bit of cheeky improvisation and a bit of ad-libbing,” she said.

“That’s the most enjoyable thing, for these guys to have the opportunity everybody else takes for granted. The opportunities we’ve been able to hand to people with disabilities is so amazing; they make me a better person.”

Mrs Mattravers said each cast member had thrown themselves into their roles and the script had been adapted according to the cast’s needs.

“Michael has autism, he’s an amazing dancer, and exceptional natural performer,” Mrs Mattravers said.

“Widow Twankey is played by a girl called Hannah, she has high spectrum autism and brings great fun to this character.

“We’ve got Byron who plays The Doctor, he’s a very quiet young man, but he’s been exceptional. He’s taken his script to speech therapy, they’ve been helping him and he knows the script off by heart.”

Tickets are available online.

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