CARDIFF: On The Edge, Theatr Iolo’s new show for 14-year-olds and upwards, tells the story of an unexpected reunion between a school bully and his autistic victim.

Dan has ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) he’s obsessive, hard working, takes people literally and tells a good joke.  Petal, is beautiful with ambitions to always be able to earn her own living. Bill, left behind by his old school mates, under pressure from his Dad, is on a never-ending ‘Gap Year’. They meet as young adults in the workplace, where their past lives unravel as they both fall in love with the same person.

The issues of difference, bullying and the challenges of inclusion are at the heart of this tale and have attracted Autism Cymru to work in partnership with Theatr Iolo. Teachers, including Equal Opportunity Coordinators, will be drawn to explore the issues through the powerful emotions raised in the piece and to see how they compliment their PSE, RE, English and Drama curriculum.

Autism Cymru, who are S4C’s Charity of the Year 2006, are working with Theatr Iolo to develop an informative and creative follow up strategy for schools. Schools will be able to choose from a menu of possibilities including seeing the play, participating in drama workshops and engaging in talks and discussions with people with ASD.

As part of their programme, Theatr Iolo are offering a pre-performance workshop which will help young people to understand "difference" (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), bullying and the responsibilities of living in an inclusive environment.  It is for one class (from year 9, 10 or GCSE).  The workshop could be used effectively by the Equal Opportunities Coordinator, Drama, English, PSE or RE.

Theatre Iolo are working in partnership with Autism Cymru and taking advice from the Equal Opportunities Advisor for Cardiff.  They are also working together with people with ASD, some of whom are prepared to come to talk to your young people.

The pre-performance workshops will take place during October and November 2005.  This project is fully funded by the Arts Council for Wales and the LEA and schools will incur no costs.   It is not necessary to have the pre-performance workshops to book the production.

For further information on this project, contact:  Tel:  029 2061 3782  Fax:  029 2052 2225  email:  kerry@theatriolo.com

(Source: Autism Cymru, October 16, 2005)