Dignity of Risk is a new contemporary performance about the way we perceive ourselves and the perceptions we have about others.

We grow up with boundaries. They determine how we should behave, where we can go, what we can do on our own. You could say the process of ‘growing up’ up is testing those boundaries, pushing them, finding out when they break or when you will. But not everyone gets that chance. Some people are thought to be too fragile, too vulnerable or just not ready. Which is fine until you realise … actually, it isn’t. That’s the point of growing up!

This explosive new work fuses movement, text and AV with the personal stories of young adults. Shopfront’s Harness Ensemble joins forces with actors from ATYP to interrogate the worlds we find ourselves in. Merging performers with and without disability, we hold a mirror to our preconceptions of what is appropriate, what is possible and what can be expected. There’s a dignity in the freedom to make mistakes. That’s where we learn the important stuff.


Directed by Natalie Rose (post) and performed by an ensemble of emerging artists with and without disability.

Venue Format
Theatre, Black Box Venue
Technical Rating
C
Touring Party
14
Considerations
  • The set involves a specially designed tactile stage flooring (which tours with the production) for vision impaired ensemble member
  • The ensemble requires an accessible venue - including accessible dressing rooms, accessible toilets and a tactile map of the space if available
  • show is suitable for ages 14+
  • The set includes a kabuki drop which ideally would be supplied by the venue but can tour with the production if required.

All young people have something to say. And at Shopfront, we make sure their voices are heard. Shopfront is a space where young people come together to express themselves. To learn, share and bring their imaginations to life. A space for celebrating the amazing ideas and creativity generated by young people and emerging artists. We believe all young people have a right to expression – no matter their background or ability. That finding their voice and ensuring it is heard is crucial to them, as it is to Australia’s cultural landscape. This belief is intrinsic to the Shopfront process of creation. As a youth-led arts co-operative, young people have a say in everything we do. Through Shopfront they gain invaluable skills in artistic leadership and community building, shaping and becoming the next generation of creative content makers and community leaders. We may be in our 41st year, but we’re young at heart (just like our members). We’re known for our daring, adventurous and socially relevant work with young people across Australia and Internationally, and are still the only dedicated youth-led arts organisation in the Southern Sydney and Illawarra region.

Company Website
shopfront.org.au

Unique Selling Point

  • Contemporary group devised theatre performance, that shares the unique and personal stories of the ensemble.
  • The ensemble is made up of a diverse mix of emerging artists with and without disability
  • Explores the universal topic of acceptance, perception of others and judgement of others abilities and/or disability
  • Evokes an emotional response from audiences through sharing of real stories by real people and the universal concepts the show explores

Marketing Materials

  • promo footage
  • presenter pack
  • Production images
  • reviews
  • access to artists and ensemble for press activities

Community Engagement

  • ensemble are available for panel discussions around creating accessible work for audiences and performers.
  • ensemble are available for audience Q & A discussions