Neurodivergent cast leads way

UNCERTAIN Curtain Theatre is returning to local stages this February with their production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

It is the fifth production from the theatre group that gives neurodivergent people the chance to perform both on stage and behind the scenes.

Uncertain Curtain Theatre was formed in 2018 with productions Max Pry, Private Eye, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Literary Limbo just a few of their past productions.

Sarah-Jane Fawcett is the producer of Twelfth Night and said the theatre company is all about giving a chance to people who don’t always get one.

“We provide opportunities for those who haven’t necessarily had them in the past in community theatre here in Bendigo,” she said.

“Most of those involved are neurodivergent whether they be autistic, have ADHD or dyslexia. In the past we have had people with Tourette’s and mental health conditions as well.”

Ms Fawcett said the cast and crew are both excited and nervous to hit the stage, or creek bank, next weekend at the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

“With any show at this point in time everyone is getting a bit anxious,” she said.

“To minimise the anxiety are audience sizes are rather small, we cap it at 50 people.”

“We are utilising the creek they have out the back, the actors perform on one side and the audience is on the other, which provides a nice little barrier for our performers.”

Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy from Shakespeare that was written in the early 1600s and centres around a set of twins who are separated in a shipwreck.

You can catch Uncertain Curtain Theatres production of Twelfth Night at the Central Deborah Gold Mine on the 18, 19, 25 and 26, February.

All performances will begin at 6.30pm with tickets available at eventbrite.com.