Neurodivergent theatre group does it their way

A SENSORY-friendly stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s 1988 fantasy novel Wyrd Sisters (will be brought to life by Bendigo-based theatre group Uncertain Curtain Theatre across the weekend of Friday 4 to Sunday 6 July at the Engine Room in View Street.

Led by founder Sarah-Jane Fawcett, Uncertain Curtain provides an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals in the performing arts, reimagining traditional production processes to be more accessible and accommodating.

Fawcett, who identifies as neurodivergent, said she established the group in 2018 to “do theatre on our terms.”

“If you’re part of a big show, even a community show, it’s very intense, and for a lot of neurodivergent people, it’s a little bit too much,” she said.

“What I thought I’d do is go back to the drawing board and rework a rehearsal schedule that benefited people who are neurodivergent.

“So, for those of us who have ADHD, (we) focus on shorter rehearsals, and for those of us who have sensory needs, we look into how we do lighting and sound.

“We just like to provide a space where people who come under the neurodiverse umbrella don’t feel judged.”

Fawcett said the Engine Room is a fantastic place to be performing the show.

“It’s a much more intimate space so it’s not too overwhelming for people, especially those who’ve never performed before, and Bendigo Venues and Events understand our needs and work with us to make sure it’s as sensory friendly as possible,” she said.

Uncertain Curtain presents Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters runs from 4 to 6 July at the Engine Room in View Street.

Tickets can be purchased on Gotix. Head to the Uncertain Curtain website for more information.