Bulletin Spring 2018

STRAY CATS THEATRE COMPANY
PRESENTED SHREK THE MUSICAL
SALLY NEWMAN, MSWA MEMBER
Sometimes all we want to do is run and hide from reality.
We want to pretend we have no responsibility, no disability, no
housework and no bills. Imagine if life could be just a simple
and fun fairy tale? Well thanks to community theatre it can be.
Once upon a time in this instance, was a colourful and
mythical story on the stage of Mandurah Performing Arts
Centre, when Stray Cats Theatre Company presented Shrek
The Musical. A cast of experienced and skilled actors brought
the Dreamworks classic to an excited audience of all ages.
For those who do not know the story of Shrek, here is the
simplest overview I can offer. Shrek is an ogre – fat, green and
smelly (consider him our disability). Donkey is a humorous,
sarcastic and loveable ass who makes everything in life funny
(even the tough times). And Fiona the princess is the beautiful
damsel, trapped in the tower awaiting a prince to rescue her,
so she can fall in love and live happily ever after. Oh, to be that
beautiful princess!
The production was led by Director Karen Francis, Vocal
Director Kristie Gray and Musical Director Vanitha Hart.
Larger than life actor, Nicholas Gaynor brought the character
of Shrek to life and his onstage presence teamed perfectly
with the comedic Donkey, portrayed by Jiojo Nawanawa. And
of course, that beautiful princess played by Lisa Taylor.
An ensemble and lead cast of more than seventy people
presented a professional, well executed production and should
be very proud of their interpretation of Shrek The Musical.
Act two saw Shrek and Donkey become friends and on the
King’s order, set off to rescue the princess; she is horrified
to discover her knight in shining armour is an Ogre. Alas, as
the story unfolds and love’s true kiss brings them together –
Princess Fiona also turns into a fat, ugly, smelly ogre.
So why did I review this musical theatre show for our Spring
Edition? Because Shrek reminds me of living with multiple
sclerosis (MS). Life is not a fairy tale, but we can find
goodness and laughter.
Disability can be perceived as smelly and unlikable and
somewhat ugly! I feel like nobody understands me, and I am
sure I am not alone when I think, “I am living in a swamp land,
somewhere completely unfathomable to others.”
Of course, to other ogres like me, they see my world as
just fine!
And then the ‘disability’ meets someone ‘normal’ and they fall
in love. Love sees past the physical self and into the heart of
the ogre, and even though I feel like an ogre, I know inside I
am a still a princess.
Why not visit www.manpac.com.au for a full listing of
their 2018/19 season and escape reality for just one night.
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre is a quality venue with
ACROD parking bays, all access toilets, theatres and foyers.
The adjoining boardwalks also have ramps and railings
for ease of access for you to enjoy the beautiful estuary
and nearby cafes. The venue also honours the Companion
Card WA Program which makes for a hassle-free, night of
entertainment for you and your carer/companion.
When will your ‘Once Upon A time’ become a reality.
Discover community theatre soon.
SPEECH PATHOLOGY WEEK 2018
CASSANDRA THOMAS, MSWA SPEECH PATHOLOGIST
Speech Pathology Week takes place on Sunday, 19 to
Saturday, 25 August 2018. The theme for Speech Pathology
Week in 2018 is:
Communication access is communication for all!
More than 1.1 million Australians have communication or
swallowing disorders which adversely affect their ability to
undertake everyday activities and participate successfully in
social interactions.
Speech Pathology Week seeks to promote the speech
pathology profession, the work done by speech pathologists
and the role they play in the lives of Australians with speech,
language, communication and swallowing difficulties.
During Speech Pathology Week the MSWA speech pathologists
will be talking to Members and Clients at Outreach about the
profession and services that can be provided to them.
The department will also be running weekly word finding
groups throughout the year. These sessions are designed for
people with neurological conditions and will focus on;
• The provisions of educational information in word finding
difficulties
• Group sharing and discussions
• Strategies to assist with word finding difficulties
• Practical activities to use at home
For further information on groups or other speech pathology
services please contact the department on 9365 4888.
MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018 | 29