Premiering in late 2026 REAL SPECIAL is a bold, disability-led youth theatre project where young artists smash stereotypes with humour, punk-rock energy, and lived experience.
REAL SPECIAL is a bold, disability-led youth theatre project where young artists smash stereotypes with humour, punk-rock energy, and lived experience. Mixing storytelling, original live music, digital media, inclusive movement, and a dash of Bouffon-inspired satire, it flips the script on how disability is seen. This is raw, daring theatre that proves disability is a force for creativity, leadership, and change. |
Created by 12 regional young people aged 11–20 – at least half identifying as disabled – the work removes barriers to participation and champions equity. Directed by Dave Houston, with choreography by Tehani Carmen and filmmaking by Jason Brown from UpSide Down Arts, REAL SPECIAL is built from the ground up with its participants. Co-designed with the cast, the process fosters cultural leadership, amplifies diverse voices, and strengthens community understanding across multiple venues, promoting accessibility, equity, and meaningful social change.
The show reclaims language once used to marginalise, creating space for disabled youth to express themselves with creativity and confidence. Bouffon theatre techniques – a physical style using grotesque characters to mock social norms and power – add satirical sharpness, allowing participants to playfully and politically confront stereotypes. |
Few, if any, disability-led companies worldwide use Bouffon, making this a daring artistic choice. This isn’t a Bouffon show, but the tools may be woven in to provoke, entertain, and inspire.
Note: Bouffon is an incredibly controversial art form that may be explored in this project. The young people will decide whether to use it; if they choose not to, it will be dropped. It’s a valuable skill to learn, and from my research, no disability‑led company anywhere in the world has staged a pure Bouffon production.Bouffon originated in medieval times, when 'freaks', disabled people, and other marginalised communities were forced out of cities. On one day a year, or Fool’s Day, they were allowed back in to entertain the public. During these performances, they would cleverly and humorously challenge the status quo, using satire to expose hypocrisy and flip power dynamics.
While REAL SPECIAL will not be a full Bouffon show, the satire, humour, and subversive spirit of the form may be woven into the work to help reclaim narratives and turn the dominant lens on its head.
Note: Bouffon is an incredibly controversial art form that may be explored in this project. The young people will decide whether to use it; if they choose not to, it will be dropped. It’s a valuable skill to learn, and from my research, no disability‑led company anywhere in the world has staged a pure Bouffon production.Bouffon originated in medieval times, when 'freaks', disabled people, and other marginalised communities were forced out of cities. On one day a year, or Fool’s Day, they were allowed back in to entertain the public. During these performances, they would cleverly and humorously challenge the status quo, using satire to expose hypocrisy and flip power dynamics.
While REAL SPECIAL will not be a full Bouffon show, the satire, humour, and subversive spirit of the form may be woven into the work to help reclaim narratives and turn the dominant lens on its head.