Wired Differently | Screech Arts & Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre
Image: Jade Ellis
Wired Differently is a platform for eight talented artist to share their unique talents and moving stories through physical theatre, dance, song, music and language. Directed by Lynne Bradley and Martina Cross, this new show tells the stories of outstanding artists who identify as living with a disability or being neurodivergent. As we have come to expect from Screech Arts, Wired Differently is honest, direct, clever, entertaining, funny, authentic and courageous. Thanks to the support, talents and creativity of Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, Wired Differently is an inspiring and ultimately moving celebration of what it means to be alive.
Image: Jade Ellis
The eight featured performers—Mags Doherty, Micheal Doust, Dale Gonelli, Anabella Gregory, Wayne Jennings, Liam Linane, Danielle Stewart, and Ebony Webb—each have their moment in the spotlight, often speaking directly to the audience, with many ‘acts’ also benefiting from collaborative interactions and the inclusion of fellow artists. Distilling key memories down to just three has been almost impossible, but I have tried. I love the early ‘school roll with a difference,’ where members of the line-up respond to an identity call out that includes ‘queer,’ ‘disabled,’ and ‘autistic’—and where no one is ‘normal’ or boring. Wayne Jennings’ ‘do you now have the measure of me’ piece is funny and moving. From the ‘job interview and impressing your crush while you are in a rave’ analogy, through to the incorporation of the melancholic cello music, Jennings demonstrates an impressive connection with the audience. And I am certain that Anabella Gregory’s diary scene will be in everyone’s top three memories from the show. Gregory is a talented comic performer who combines circus, dance and acrobatic skill to ensure that ‘reading from a diary’ is funny, insightful, and quite wonderful to watch. Gregory’s physical movements amplified and enhanced the text, in a very special use of circus skills to convey meaning.
The different Wired Differently movements share common themes, but also communicate important messages: being a person living with a disability or neurodivergent is not ‘dependent’ on a formal (and pricey) diagnosis; the challenges of understanding or trying to conform to societal norms are never-ending; realising that being your authentic self is vital;and making time to listen, and to then wait for a reply, is imperative. So many great comments that resonate include ‘I like to focus on my abilities, not my disability’ (Stewart), ‘seeking a moment’s quiet’ (Linane), ‘my uniqueness’ (Doherty), ‘I was built for storytelling” (Webb), and the impactful ‘I believe I was born into this world to make people think a little differently’ (Gonelli).
Image: Jade Ellis
Importantly, the show challenges audiences to reflect on how being wired differently does not mean that individuals don’t share the same desires, passions and goals--including living independently, enjoying relationships, speaking for themselves, and being respected as adults. I enjoyed Screech Art’s recent show, PUSH, and it was good to see that Wired Differently shares a number of key ideas—in particular the openness of Micheal Doust’s ‘I’m a survivor’ monologue. Doust’s crowd-pleasing performance of the piece set to Lady Gaga’s G.U.Y. was a very direct way in which to highlight the importance of including issues of sexuality and attraction in discussions with, and about, people living with disability — and it was great to see that the cast and choreographers had at least as much fun as the audience with this number (Gina Tay Limpus and Mags Doherty, movement/choreographers).
And Wired Differently is fun. Yes, there are important themes and messages; yes, there are emotional moments (and not just because the closing scene is set to ‘Chasing Cars’); and yes, it’s important to support these artists in their ‘push’ to be heard. But this is also an entertaining piece of theatre: strong dance moves, humorous lines (including during that fast-paced ‘car’ number), amusing animal impressions, fantastic acrobatics, thought-provoking prose, and excellent cello playing.
If you can, follow Screech Arts’ and Zen Zen Zo’s social media and look out for any opportunity to see new, thought-provoking, and entertaining theatrical events. Just be prepared to be moved as well as entertained.
Wired Differently played at Billie Brown Theatre, Queensland Theatre, on 22, 24, and 26 September 2025 as part of the 2025 Undercover Artist Festival. 60 minutes, no interval.
Image: Jade Ellis
