The DreamBIG Children’s Festival has a wide array of performances this year that help open the door to conversations around some rather important topics. ARCO is one of them. It is a moving show that explores what it is like to live with autism.
WA Youth Theatre Company Artistic Director, James Berlyn, directed and co-wrote ARCO with Adam Kelly. I was fortunate enough to speak with both of them to discuss the show and where the idea of this production came from.
James:
“ARCO is the result of a long series of workshops between me and WA Youth Theatre Company (WAYTCo) member Adam Kelly.”
Adam:
“The genesis of ARCO came from both my experiences as an autistic gentleman navigating this neurotypical world and its confusing rules, and working with James Berlyn as part of a group at the Devisers Club at WAYTCo. James got to know me well, as I consistently turned up for classes, and he saw the potential for my stories.”
We spoke about how important it is to educate children about autism.
Adam:
“I believe that it’s very important for kids to learn more about neurodiversity. There are so many kids out there who either have an ASD or who know kids that do, so having more knowledge about it helps them to understand that they’re not alone. There are so few shows about autistic joy and that’s what I want ARCO to be about — kids can come and watch and have fun. ARCO is very important to me. I try to put all my best qualities into the show and create a very beautiful and fun performance every time.”
So far, ARCO has been extremely well received wherever it has been performed.
Adam:
“The show has been very happily received by audiences in Perth, in regional WA and in Melbourne. We’ve had some really good feedback. We have a Q&A session at the end of each show which always brings up great questions from the kids and adults alike. I really enjoy it when the kids start playing and dancing along with the performance. They love the animations too.”
James:
“ARCO was first produced as a short work for FRINGE WORLD 2020 in Perth before the pandemic. It sold out its season and Adam received an ECU Performing Arts Award for his show. Since then, Adam and I developed a longer version of the show ARCO Senior and an all-ages version, ARCO Junior. The show has been in performance or on tour since 2020.”
ARCO is being performed on May 20 and 21 as part of the DreamBIG Children’s Festival.
Adam:
“I am looking forward to Adelaide audiences realising that autism is not a disease but rather just a different way of thinking, a different way of being. It is important that ARCO always ends on an optimistic note and that the kids always leave with smiles on their faces.”
ARCO, which is part of the DreamBIG Children’s Festival, will be in the Drama Centre Rehearsal Room, Adelaide Festival Centre on 20 – 21 May, 2023 at 11.00am. Tickets and further information can be found at https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/arco .
Interviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: James Campbell
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