Theatre representation for disability is improving, but insufficient

Recent developments in theatre show that representation of disabled actors is improving, but there is still much work to be done. Activist and actor Hannah Diviney highlights the ongoing challenges in showcasing authentic disability representation in mainstream media and the arts. Diviney shares her childhood experience of not seeing people like herself in media. Even when disabled characters appeared, they were often portrayed by able-bodied actors. This has begun to change thanks to advocacy and inclusivity efforts in recent years, but theatre remains a tough environment for disabled performers. This year, two disabled actors are challenging traditional portrayals in big roles. Liam Gamble is playing Richard III in the production "The Player Kings." In this adaptation, he finds important similarities between himself and the character, emphasizing that disability does not have to be the focus of the story. Bridie McKim is also taking on a major role as Laura Wingfield in "The Glass Menagerie." She recalls her frustration with how Laura was typically portrayed. McKim aims to present Laura as a stronger character who resonates with modern audiences. Research shows that disabled representation in Australian media is slowly increasing, but it remains "critically low." McKim emphasizes the need for better representation, stating that disabled individuals should fill 20 percent of roles, reflecting their percentage in the population. Upcoming performances include "The Glass Menagerie" at Ensemble Theatre from March 21 to April 26 and "The Player Kings" at the Seymour Centre from March 26 to April 5.