Curtin theatre arts students will star in a reboot of Shakespeare’s play Richard III. This modern rendition put the spotlight on disability representation and inclusion.
The play, Teenage Dick, will cater for all audience members with an Auslan-interpreted performance and an audio-description supported option available.
The lead role of Richard is played by Curtin theatre and marketing student Crystal Nguyen, a disability advocate who lives with brittle bone disease and kickstarted her career at 15, after placing sixth in the inaugural season of Vietnam’s Got Talent.
The play will be directed by disability advocate Dan Graham, who has a particular interest in access and support for neurodiverse performing artists. Curtin graduate Kate Mulvany, best known for her roles in The Twelve and The Great Gatsby is mentor to Crystal Nguyen.
Working with Kate Mulvany helped Nguyen find the human in the misunderstood character of Richard III. “I continually discover new ways of taking ownership of my strengths as a disabled performer,” she said.
The play is hitting Curtin’s Hayman Theatre at Curtin University, Perth from October 11 -15.
Photo: Crystal Nguyen and Kate Mulvany