The world premiere of "What I (Don't) Know About Autism" takes place at Dublin's Abbey Theatre tonight.
The performance has a cast of autistic and non-autistic actors, bringing viewers on a comedic and heartbreaking journey into the world of autism.
The show is a "relaxed performance", which means supports are in place to make it easier for people with autism, intellectual, neurological and sensory differences to enjoy the show.
During the show lights are kept on, sound and light effects are mentioned in advance, visual aids are visible throughout the performance and audience members are free to move about, leave and come back as they need.
The cast have provided a video online giving details on the relaxed performance.
This is Abbey Theatre's first relaxed performance, their latest initiative to promote accessibility within the theatre. They have also partnered with Arts and Disability Ireland to offer services for people who are audibly or visually impaired.
Playwright and producer Jody O’Neill said "It was crucial that the project both provided a professional employment opportunity for autistic artists, and that the performances were made accessible to autistic audiences by relaxing the rules and etiquette normally associated with theatre visits.
"It has been incredibly heartening to see how our co-producer, the Abbey Theatre and our partner venues Mermaid Arts Centre and The Everyman have embraced and supported this ethos, and to realise the hunger audiences have for more inclusive theatre.” She said.
The performance will be in Abbey until Saturday 8th February and will then tour to Wicklow’s Mermaid Arts Centre and Cork’s The Everyman.
More details on the performance are available here.
