Constructing a Creative Future
This exciting event was held at the Parks Community Centre on Friday 12 October 2007. The workshop was designed to provide information and inspiration to those on the autism spectrum seeking a career in the arts. It was well attended by parents, disability arts organisations and people with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The day started with a ‘Comedy Kickstart’ from the very funny Stephen Loveridge who had the audience rolling with his unique brand of stand up gags. The disability arts organisation panel followed with presentations from Pat Rix of Tutti Ensemble, Peter Tregilgas of Arts Access, Nick Hughes of the Restless Dance Theatre and Freddie Brincat from Community Bridging Services. Thank you very much to these individuals who gave freely of their time.
The afternoon featured a fascinating insight from people on the autism spectrum who are involved in the arts. These were Julian Jaensch, Creative Director of Autism SA’s Triple A theatre group, Kristen Messenger, Katharine Annear and special guest, Donna Williams.
Donna has autism and has overcome many obstacles in establishing herself as a recognised author, painter, songwriter, musician and public speaker. She also chose this event to sing in public for the very first time – all her previous works had been released via the internet.
The highlight of the day was the ‘E-Move’ show by the Triple A theatre group – a group of adults with Asperger syndrome who are dedicated to the expressive arts. Their presentation was a movement piece that explored emotions and moved away from
the stereotyped image of the person with autism being ‘alone and without emotion’. The presentation was very moving and entertaining, and special congratulations must go to all participants as well as Julian Jaensch and Katharine Annear for initiating the project, and seeing it through to its successful conclusion.
Thanks to a grant from the Richard Llewellyn Trust, ‘E-Move’ will be featured in the 2008 Adelaide Fringe Festival. It will be on a double bill with the hilarious ‘ASPIE Live’. The venue remains the Parks Community Centre and the dates to diarise are as follows (all shows 7.00pm): Wed 5 March, Thurs 6 March, Friday 7 March and Saturday 8 March. For further details please visit www.adelaidefringe.com.au – bookings are through Venuetix.