A Normal Child
by Disability Slapstick Plan and Ridiculsmus
Darebin Speakeasy, Northcote Town Hall, Melbourne, 2019
If there is a new normal, everyone’s crazy and nobody’s ill.
An epic narrative of vast and imperfect comedic proportions, A Normal Child navigates the intricacies of disability representation in a daring, funny, and complex work. Examining the right to begin and end life from the perspective of the disability sector. The show tackles issues of euthanasia, sex, abortion and IVF through an absurdist comedy lens.
Led by self-nominated “noddies” and “masters of the absurd”, co-Artistic Directors of Ridiculusmus, David Woods and Jonathan Haynes, and featuring the Disability Slapstick Plan, an ensemble of four Melbourne artists with different physical abilities, Betty Bobbitt, Trevor Dunn, Jess Kapuscinski-Evans and Eva Sifis.
Created by The Disability Slapstick Plan and Ridiculusmus
Nominated for Green Room Award Best Ensemble in Contemporary and Experimental Performance
Winner Best Performer in Contemporary and Experimental Performer – Jess Kappuscininski-Evans
Co-Creators David Woods, Jonathan Haynes, Jess Kapuscinski-Evans, Trevor Dunn, Eva Sifis, Betty Bobbitt, Jax Jacki Brown
Performed by Brian Lipson, Kerith Manderson-Galvin, David Woods, Jonathan Haynes, Jess Kapuscinski-Evans, Trevor Dunn, Eva Sifis, Betty Bobbitt
Facilitated by David Woods and Jonathan Haynes (Ridiculusmus)
Dramaturg Anton Rivette
Assistant Facilitator Kerith Manderson-Galvin
Sound Design Marco Cher-Gibard
Lighting Design Richard Vabre
Set and Costume Design Matilda Woodroofe
Dresser Wendy Woo
Production Manager Kirsty Baird
Producer Erin Milne, Bureau of Works
Development collaborators Kate Hood and Loki Rickus
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, the Besen Family Foundation and City of Darebin. Developed with the support of the City of Yarra, Malthouse Theatre, Playwriting Australia and Arts Access Victoria.
