"I felt there was a lack of inclusivity for the people of our community with certain impairments. I wanted to give everyone the chance to be able to enjoy what we had created..."
Dixie Johnstone, founder of Zealous Productions, staged the Addams Family Musical at the Regal Theatre from July 15-18.
Ms Johnstone worked alongside a creative team which included Mandurah musical director Joshua Haines.
In what was a huge step forward for Perth theatre, Zealous Productions staged a 'relaxed performance' matinee, designed for a community of diverse abilities to be able to enjoy the live theatre experience.
The show had two AUSLAN interpreters on stage, a live audio descriptor and headsets, a quiet room for those experiencing sensory overload, simple lighting effects and house lights left up for patrons to be able to move around freely.
"We provided a tactile tour where the audience were able to see up close some props and set pieces," Ms Johnstone said.
"There was also a meet and greet with the characters where we invited audience members to touch our costumes and encouraged them to ask questions..."
Ms Johnstone, who also played the role of Morticia Addams, said she experienced many magical moments from this performance.
"There were a few people who were vision impaired that enjoyed role playing with me, asking about what Morticia liked and disliked. That was really fun.
"I loved seeing the audience in wheelchairs move to the front after the first number when they realised they were able to do so.
"One lady in particular enjoyed trying to copy our choreography, she had no inhibition and danced her heart out. That was glorious to see from stage."
Ms Johnstone said the experience was "heartwarming and heartfelt" for everyone involved, and that Zealous Productions looked forward to implementing this in every future show.
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
