A powerful theatre production exploring disability rights and lived experience is coming to Bairnsdale next month.
Stories from the Waiting Room: Lived Experiences of Disability Rights will be staged at The Forge Theatre at 1.30 pm on Thursday, June 11.
Co-designed and performed by some of Victoria’s leading disabled performers, the production shares personal stories that challenge stereotypes and encourage audiences to reflect on disability support, inclusion and access.
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health chief executive officer Anne-Maree Kaser said the performance leaves a lasting impression.
“These are stories you don’t forget,” Ms Kaser said. “They remind us that access isn’t just about systems or services, it’s about whether people feel genuinely heard when they seek support. This is why we’re helping bring this show to East Gippsland.”
Presented through the My Story project, the production uses theatre and storytelling to foster empathy, understanding and discussion around disability rights.
“What makes this performance powerful is its honesty,” Ms Kaser said.
“It shows us the person behind the support and asks us to pause and really listen.”
The project is funded through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Grants Program and led by Omnia Community Health in partnership with Gippsland Lakes Complete Health.
Creative director Carmen Maddison said the performance was designed for a broad audience, including people with disabilities, families, carers, NDIS workers and the wider community.
“After consulting extensively with people with lived experience of disability, carers and support providers, it’s been wonderful to see these stories come to life through our ensemble of creative artists,” Ms Maddison said.
“We believe audiences will leave with a deeper understanding of how to recognise, advocate for and uphold disability rights.”
Following the performance, audience members are invited to attend a post-show discussion and afternoon tea with the performers.
Stories from the Waiting Room is a free community event, with accessibility features incorporated throughout the performance and venue, including embedded Auslan, descriptive language, wheelchair access and a relaxed performance environment.
Registration is essential via The Forge Theatre website.My Story is being performed at The Forge Theatre in Bairnsdale on Thursday, June 11 at 1:30pm.
