It’s almost show time for participants in Mambourin Enterprises’ expressive arts program as they prepare for their annual performance next week.
This year’s show, The Pet Olympics, tells of a group of animals and their owners who head to the fictional town of Watchamacallit for the prestigious event.
Mambourin expressive arts co-ordinator Reece Howell says the show is a cross between a comedy and a musical, with the script and music entirely written by program participants with intellectual disabilities.
“We tried to give participants the basic idea of what we want to do and then just let them launch into it,” he says.
“They have done everything themselves … scripting, making props, costumes and acting.”
The idea for the show began with an image of a cartoon animal.
Mr Howell said the 32 participants all played individual roles in the production and that this year’s show was different to those of previous years, with the first half having been performed with pre-recorded dialogue.
Mambourin Enterprises is a training centre for adults with intellectual disabilities. It promotes independent living by offering employment, education and training services.
The Pet Olympics will be performed on December 2 at Tattersall’s Theatre in the Wyndham Cultural Centre. There will be a matinee and an evening performance. To book, visit www.wyncc.com.au
