Post 2020 and certain aspects of humanity have become prevalent. A fast paced world pre 2020, lockdowns forced many to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty around us – our natural world something perhaps taken for granted before, now a sanctuary. How to better look after it, a priority that although had been stressed before, became more urgent and still is! Addressing themes of climate change and social justice, Ontroerend Goed present Are we not drawn inward toward new erA, a mirror held up to humanity on the brink of collapse or change.
Determined to improve the representation of disabled artists on our stages and screens, award-winning actor and public speaker Julia Hales has broken barriers by becoming the first TV host living with Down Syndrome to present on Australia’s national broadcaster ABC. Initially performed in 2018 as part of Perth Festival, before being staged in 2019 as part of Black Swan State Theatre Company’s season, her show You Know We Belong Together, will make its UK premiere at the Southbank Centre, Purcell Rooms from the 18th to 20th August, before a run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A collaborative effort including fellow ensemble members Joshua Bott, Patrick Carter, Tina Fielding, Mark Junor, Melissa Junor and Lauren Marchbank, You Know We Belong Together is an exploration of the ensemble’s personal experiences and their day to day realities via monologues, video, scenes, dance and song. Ahead of the production, Julia tells us more about exploring the show’s themes further, her inspirational advocacy journey so far and what to expect from the show.
