2011

Invisibility

On November 23rd 60 people with disability & their carers from the Beyond ABBA program performed on Riverside’s main stage Invisibility. This was the culmination of 3 terms worth of work exploring through video, movement and text what it feels like to be invisible and also what it feels like to be in the spotlight.

Over 400 people enjoyed the 40 minute performance and were then all invited into Riverside’s courtyard for live music, dancing, karaoke and a BBQ. It also gave the audience a chance to view ‘Art on Paper’ an exhibition of art work by ruckus ensemble member Digby Webster, see more on his exhibition here.

“The best bit was when Mum watched my dancing” Sean

“Happy when I saw myself on the big screen” Scott

“There was no issues on stage due to the tutors who make it fun. The interaction in these workshops is good” Ursula

“I was on the stage. It was really good. Dancing, singing, seeing myself on screen. Giving mum and aunty a copy of the DVD” Macy

Gallery

Love Heart Cardigan

In 2011 the newly formed ruckus ensemble attended Exercise (book) Classes which consisted of 26 weeks of workshops in writing in theatre making.

They worked alongside Beyond the Square’s Creative Director, Alison Richardson, writer Jessica Bellamy with support by Jake Willis to come up with a showing of work, Love Heart Cardigan.

Love Heart Cardigan was inspired by a story of an elderly lady who was found dead in her Surry Hills flat after 8 years of lying there. The ensemble explored the themes of going unnoticed, feeling invisible and disconnected and also the opposite of this so what it feels to be highly visible and in the spotlight. They drew on the personal & the imagined to create this unique performance.

“The performance was fantastic…. The group worked so well together, it looked like everyone was good friends, connected and alive. Lovely to observe”
- Jennifer Moxham (Digby’s mother)

“I was personally overwhelmed with the emotion the group brought to the performance. I was surprised with the level of talent in the group. I said to a couple of my workmates that the performance was of a level that you would pay good money to see”
- Leon Sugrim (Rachel’s dad)

“The workshops have proved invaluable for my son, as he has learnt so much about writing and getting his ideas out of his head and onto paper. He has been challenged and supported by the group. I have witnessed his confidence grow & his speech improve (which has been amazing after years of therapy and having little improvement). It has been a very worthwhile program”
- Joanne Basha (Nathan’s mother)

“What an amazing performance, so well done and well rehearsed…. It was funny, reflective, respectful….. I just loved it. I think you have something really special there and it’s relevant to so many individuals whether disabled, elderly, the bullied. Well done!”
- Christine O’Connor (Audrey’s mother)

“We nailed it!”
- Gerard O’Dwyer (ruckus ensemble member)