Theatre
The Duck
Autact Theatre CIC presents autistic writer Rhiannon Lloyd-Williams’ award-winning play: a glimpse beneath the surface of one autistic woman’s world.
Performed by Lucy Theobald, The Duck reveals the authentic voice of an autistic woman as she explores what her diagnosis means to her.
“Using the idea of being diagnosed as a duck instead of that A-word that people so often misunderstand, this is a one-woman play built around storytelling and memories, and designed to make connections between different ways of thinking.
is needed now More than ever
“It can be really difficult to describe autism from the outside; you end up just listing a set of behaviours, which doesn’t really explain anything. There’s nothing like the theatre for communicating an idea and making those connections; I can stand here and tell you what it’s like, but it’s so much more effective to show you.
“It doesn’t help that the usual representation of autism is not someone like me; they’re usually children and male. It’s so important that we see autistic women out there too; so many autistic people don’t fit the stereotypes quite as neatly, and we often spend a lot of time masking and hiding who we really are. This play is about being free to take off that mask and be ourselves.
“We all go through our lives feeling different, but not all of us have that confirmed by a professional. A diagnosis can really help you make sense of the world and when you’re someone who has felt constantly bemused by humanity since day one, that can be an incredibly powerful moment.”
Pick of the Fringe, Bedford Fringe Festival 2019.
Jan 15 & 16, Alma Tavern Theatre, 8pm, £11. For more info, visit www.autact.co.uk
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