Unbounded Talent | Find Your Fit

Brisbane Festival is proud to feature a lineup of incredible shows that explore the experiences of people living with disabilities.

These productions are informed by the unique lived experience of their creators, and many dive into topics related to disability. From discussions of sexuality to accessible workshops, the diversity in these productions reflect the diversity of the human experience. But most importantly these shows are here to demonstrate the unending creative talent of those involved.

This incredible line-up is a reflection of the goals embedded in the Brisbane Festival Disability Inclusion Access Plan, created in collaboration with Access and Inclusion Partner, CPL – Choice, Passion, Life. By embracing diversity and removing barriers, CPL and Brisbane Festival aim to create an environment where everyone can fully engage, appreciate, and celebrate the arts.

18 - 21 Sep

Private View

Performed with joy and fervour, and against the backdrop of an exquisite set, this production is an intimate exploration of unspoken stories and secret longing from Restless Dance, Australia’s leading creator of dance theatre by dancers with and without disability. Private View breaks down societal myths and misinformation and sets the viewer on a path to twist their preconceived attitudes around sexuality and disability.

12 — 22 Sep

Fancy Long Legs

Fancy Long Legs is a groundbreaking, fully accessible work for young audiences and the young at heart. This uplifting story takes a sparkly and relatable look at neurodivergence, offering a playful and glitter-covered adventure of acceptance, staying true to yourself, celebrating differences and harnessing your inner fanciness!

12 - 14 Sep

Lighting the Dark

A bold new work by Chris Dyke, a Kaurna (Adelaide) based dancer and choreographer living with Down Syndrome. Chris Dyke, an artist who champions inclusivity, emanates compassion, transcending limitations and inviting us all into his radiant embrace. Yet, amidst his rich internal landscape of dreams and boundless imagination, the world often fails to see beyond the cover of the book — a book that if we dared to open, would reveal radical inspiration, creative brilliance, hope and love.

4 - 7 Sep

The No Bang Theory

It’s the non-romantic comedy of the year. Heartbreak and hilarity. Too much sex talk from a self-confessed 26-year-old virgin. The Tinder date without the messy bits. Autism is no laughing matter, but laugh is exactly what Matilda Award-winning Brisbane cabaret performer Oliver Hetherington-Page wants audiences to do as he debunks the myths of 'cute' autism.

Sun 1 Sep

Be Iconic

Surround yourself in a glorious catwalk showcasing local creatives, celebrating inclusive designs that connect diverse communities and abilities. Curated by Annika Strange, experience a community-led design takeover, creating new fashion looks that explore life in Brisbane. Featuring artists with lived experiences of disability and neurodiversity, these artists creativity is informed by Autism, ADHD, mental health, and neurological diversities.

30 Aug - 21 Sep

Duty of Care

In the art world, there’s a new emphasis on care, with a focus on gentle attentiveness and good works, and a fear of triggering hurt. In curatorial practice, and in culture more broadly, ‘care’ has become a buzzword, and is being used to reset policy and practice. However, too often, the complexity of the topic is lost despite good intentions.

Jul - Sep

Communities Program – Neighbourhood Centres

In keeping with our ethos of making the arts accessible to as many Brisbane-ites as possible, Brisbane Festival is partnering with communities across the length and breadth of Brisbane, bringing fashion and design to the suburbs and dance to the districts.

CPL is a proud partner of Brisbane Festival.