For the first year at Brighton Fringe we're very excited to present the Freedom Season! The Freedom Season is a programme of events that are accessible to a range of audiences with access needs, including those with visible and invisible disabilities. The season also showcases and supports the work of Deaf and disabled participants.
Today we present an interview with one of Freedom Season events taking place at this years Fringe, Stealth Aspies: Autistic People Speak Out by Stealth Aspies
What is your event about?
The lives of autistic adults 'in the closet' or late diagnosis, realised on stage by other 'Aspies' who find their own lives and selves through these survey response stories. Through the shows, the company are able to enjoy and share more sincerity and reality than we have usually been allowed to have, both publicly and face to face with the world.
Why did you decide to make it?
Nothing like this has ever existed before. We as autistic people must demonstrate that we are individuals with personality and maturity, who share a common nature. This gives us empathy for each other. No one was being as positive and empowering about being 'on the spectrum' as we are now. Also, no neurotypicals or non autistic people are or have been involved. Such is the standard of our authenticity.
What should audience members expect?
Heartfelt truth, some humour and people being allowed to be themselves. There are many forms of 'being in the closet' and here, we are coming out.
What are your plans post-Brighton Fringe, with this or other work?
We want to do a residency with a venue and work with a theatre, as well as perform on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and then tour our work. We also have new shows coming, which we believe will define a whole new form of authentic neuroatypical performance art and truth. We are part of the great neuroatypical underground that exists online as well as in events such as Autscape, the yearly conference by and for autistic people. We hope to bring our sub culture into the light.
What advice do you have to other creators about making their event more accessible?
Listen to autistic people. Ask us and learn from us.
What would you like to see at the Freedom Season next year?
Loads of shows like ours. We hope to facilitate other autistic people to perform and be brave and proud of their innate and shared natures. No matter how much stigma the term autistic may carry.
Stealth Aspies: Autistic People Speak Out
www.paulwady.com/the-stealth-aspies-show-2017
- 22 May 20:30 - 21:20
- 23 May 20:30 - 21:20
- 24 May 20:30 - 21:20
- 26 May 20:30 - 21:20
- 27 May 20:30 - 21:20
- All performances will be relaxed
Tickets - £5
Sweet Werks 2, Werks Central, 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1AL