Please note that Autism SA will be closed from 23/12/2024, with services recommencing on 13/01/2025.
We are thrilled to be an accessibility partner of the Adelaide Fringe for a third year in a row. During the Fringe we’ll be sharing some of our favorites for the Autistic and autism community, including our Top 3 sensory friendly performances for adults. Many Fringe shows this year are running Relaxed Performance sessions. This means sessions with dimmer lights and quieter sounds. Read more to see our top picks!
A Neurodiversity led show about mental illness and neurodivergence told from the lived experience of performer Grace Colsey. We asked Grace why they created this show and where their inspiration came from. Grace also participated in our Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood, a free online resource about navigating adulthood. Check it out here.
Relaxed Performances: Wed, 28 February, Saturday 2 March
70 min
Tea Room at Curiositeas (+1 more)
$15 to $26‘I wanted to create the show because art that had made me feel seen and heard as a neurodivergent individual was so few and far between. I think there’s a real gap when it comes to art made not just by neurodivergent folks, but for neurodivergent folks.
My goal with Smiling Through the Human was to replicate through cabaret, the essence of existence as a neurodivergent or someone with mental illness in a world that’s just not built for us. The show basically follows an arc of denial through acceptance and ultimately, healing. And I break a few rules of the medium, which you’ll get when you see the show, and I think that lets it go just that little bit deeper into highlighting the alienating experience, the masking experience, and those elements that I think make it more relatable to our community.
It’s been the most rewarding thing imaginable hearing from audience members who have been touched by the show. There have been a few people for whom this show became a turning point in their own journey with discovering or accepting their own neurodivergence and that means truly the whole world.
I hope audiences come away from the show feeling uniquely seen and understood, and, ultimately, rejuvenated and hopeful that this strange dystopian hellscape of existence can still be incredibly fun and beautiful.’- Grace Colsey
A musical experience immersed in the nature of Sinclair’s Gully Winery with live vocal and pianist performances. Classical music amongst the cockatoos!
Fri, 01 Mar – Sat, 02 Mar90 minOutdoor Venue at Sinclair’s Gully Winery$29.50Talking disability theory, personal anecdotes, and pet peeves, ‘Singin in the Pain’ presents a bevy of burlesque & cabaret stars ready to share in this soapbox-style performance. Presented by and for disabled people and featuring a packed cast of new and familiar faces.
Available Online/ Relaxed Live Performance: Fri, 8 March60 minWatch From Home or Live at Nexus Arts Venue$25 to $35
