Inclusive theatre empowers children to embrace difference
, Press Release
SmartyPants and the Swordfish is more than just a play – it employs the history of Redhill to sensitively unpack issues such as name-calling, peer pressure, ostracisation, trolling and gaslighting. Featuring six intellectually disabled puppeteers performing alongside six mainstream actors, this theatre piece provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, empowering children to navigate the complexities of bullying.
Co-presented by ART:DIS Singapore and Gateway Arts, this inclusive casting underpins the key message of the story, which is to have respect for others regardless of differences. Throughout the play both puppeteers and actors worked closely with one another to bring the story to life, and this meant stepping into each others’ field of expertise.
“The puppets are actually quite heavy. For us to emote, deliver our lines and manoeuvre them at the same time was quite challenging,” shared Periyachi Roshini. Thankfully with numerous rehearsals, she was able to condition muscles and handle a large swordfish puppet with her partner Alexavier Ang who is autistic. With him directing the angle and direction of the head, Roshini forms up the tail to animate the puppet with her voice and their combined movements.
“There are many stereotypes about persons with disabilities. People often think they are slower or won’t be able to comprehend instructions. However in rehearsals, I’ve come to understand that they are just like us – each with striking personalities,” she added. “Even when they’ve reached their limit and we’re all exhausted, they are still willing to keep trying to get the scene right.”
For the puppeteers, many of whom have yet to perform on a professional theatre stage, blocking out movements was an entirely new experience. “I have two challenges. They were getting into position and listening to cues,” said autistic puppeteer Isaac Tan and without missing a beat, he went on to add: “I have solved my own challenges by paying attention, staying focused and receiving help from others.”
Other provisions in place to ensure the puppeteers were supported in their training included providing them sufficient time to understand the script, learn their steps, clarify doubts and provide suggestions. This process started way back in May 2023 and according to co-director of the play Tan Beng Tian, “The inclusion of intellectually disabled artists not only provides them a stage to showcase their skills and perspective, but further enables them to be recognised as equal contributors to the creative process.”
Case in point, Isaac never fails to point at himself whenever he sees the poster of SmartyPants and the Swordfish being flashed at Gateway Theatre. “I’m there! Can you see me? I feel proud to be part of this production. I want to show the audience how well we can perform with puppets!”
Using the medium of storytelling and peer modelling, SmartyPants and the Swordfish aims to strengthen the social fabric and resilience of our young community. In a post-show dialogue developed by Gateway Arts’ Community Partner TOUCH Mental Wellness, audiences and the cast will discuss key issues in the play and are provided tools & ways to negotiate the dynamics of power in peer relationships. Through supplementary worksheets and information packs, audiences learn how to prevent instances of bullying within their circles.
“Folktales are crucial to informing the future as mistakes made in the past can help us make better decisions in the future. By re-imagining the legend of Redhill, playwright Jean Tay made the story identifiable and relevant to our children and youths of today,” shared Samantha Scott-Blackhall, co-director of the play and Artistic Director of Gateway Arts.
With the aim to impact as many of the young population as possible, the play is further embedded with access provisions. This includes a sensory and wheelchair-friendly relaxed setting for neurodiverse and mobility-assisted audiences, the inclusion of Creative Captioning for the deaf and Creative Audio Description and preshow touch tours for the visually-impaired.
“Over the past few years, we have been encouraged to see the growing efforts of numerous arts companies providing accessibility in their performances for persons with disabilities. However, we also aspire to go beyond and redefine the possibilities of inclusivity in theatre productions, by actively including individuals with disabilities on mainstream stage as part of an all-embracing cast. Through this collaborative production with Gateway Arts, we hope to continually challenge and expand the definition of inclusivity in all aspects of artistic production, and create a more inclusive future of the arts in Singapore,” said Angela Tan, Executive Director of ART:DIS Singapore.