Arts Council Wales’ Investment Review Announcement.

We are happy to have received the news this week that following Arts Council of Wales’ Investment Review we have received an uplift in our multi-year funding for the three years from April 2024. This increased support represents a major development for learning disabled and neurodivergent artists in Wales and will help us to scale our work at a national level. 

We are very grateful for the Arts Council’s continued backing and recognition of our impact and commitment in driving change and working for a more inclusive sector; we are hugely excited for this next chapter for Hijinx. 

Hijinx is supported by a true family – from freelance creatives to volunteers, staff members to participants, trustees, and family members. We have built a reputation as a creative, agile, and bold collective, rising to the occasion, and making change for our community. We thank all of them for helping us to reach this point. 

Whilst we are delighted with this outcome for Hijinx – our hearts are with the organisations who have received difficult and disappointing news this week. Our door is always open, and we will continue to offer support and be open to creative conversations. 

Book your tickets to our upcoming co-production with Sherman Theatre, Housemates, 6 – 14 October.

Book Tickets

Setting a New Standard for the Screen Industries: Hijinx’s New ReFocus Training Equips Cast & Crew to be Skilled & Confident Working with Learning Disabled and/or Autistic Adults on Set

Hijinx Theatre, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, has launched a new interactive training programme to help those working across the screen industry in the UK and beyond to enhance their skills and confidence when communicating with learning disabled and/or autistic adults on set, in development and behind the camera. It’s the first interactive, inclusivity training programme of its kind with the course co-facilitated by neurodivergent actors, putting them in the driving seat to enact industry change.

There is a significant shortfall in representation of learning disabled and/or autistic actors, TV and film crew in the screen industry. Latest figures from Diamond – The 5th Cut (from Creative Diversity Network) found that 6% of off-screen and 8.3% of on-screen contributions were made by disabled people – significantly lower than the 18% rate of disabled people in the UK population.

To address this problem, Hijinx has launched the ReFocus training programme; a one day course, starting in Cardiff and soon to roll out across the country, that will help people across the industry – from commissioners to camera and lighting teams, presenters, actors, catering staff, producers and make up and costume teams – to understand the experiences of Hijinx actors alongside other creative facilitators and learn new ways to confidently interact with adults who are neurodivergent and/or learning disabled. This innovative new approach means this will be the first experiential learning disability inclusion training of its kind, in which participants will learn in a relaxed and interactive environment to put their skills into practice and overcome stereotypical avoidance.

Sarah Horner, Hijinx’s Chief Executive said

“Our ambition is to address the significant gap in sector skills and we firmly believe a training course such as ReFocus should be a new industry standard for all those in the industry to attend. People are often unsure how to approach and communicate with colleagues who are neurodivergent and/or learning disabled, and through a fear of not doing or saying the right thing, often choose avoidance which results in a very isolating experience for that individual. It’s a human need to feel acknowledged and many of us take for granted a day at work being a chance to connect with others, to laugh with and learn from colleagues. We want to support those working across the industry with the confidence and skills to include rather than alienate those who are disabled.”

Hannah Thomas, Severn Screen, producer of Craith/Hidden has collaborated with Hijinx on numerous projects including recently working with Hijinx actor Justin Melluish, who has Down’s syndrome, when he recently starred in BBC’s crime drama Hidden.

Hannah said:

          ‘I honestly think it’s hugely important for us to increase our representation on screen. Working with Hijinx has made us want to do it again and again and again on every single production.’

Another Hijinx actor, Tommy Rhys-Powell, who starred in Glitch added:

“Working as a professional actor feels like inspiration. Helping other people to admire our work. It helps me to express my feelings to the world. ReFocus will help give other learning-disabled actors that chance, too.”

Recognising its significance to the industry and society as a whole, ReFocus has received funding support from Welsh Government via Creative Wales’s new Creative Skills Fund. This enables Hijinx to roll-out various subsidised pricing including some free places, to ensure cost is not a barrier to participants.

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, said:

“One of the key purposes of the new Creative Wales Creative Skills Fund was to identify and tackle challenges in the creative industries. Research undertaken shows that there is more work to be done in representation of learning disabled and/or autistic people on screen and behind the camera, so I am delighted that we are able to support Hijinx’s ReFocus project, which will help Wales lead the way in addressing this issue and create more opportunities for people.

Booking is now live for ReFocus training and anyone working in the screen industry (TV, film, gaming) is welcomed. The first two dates available are 26 + 27 September 2023, taking place at the Tramshed Tech in Grangetown, with many more dates planned through the year.

Pricing for the one day course is £26 for those working in small organisations (less than 25 staff) and £72 for larger organisations. Bookings are made online at https://www.hijinx.org.uk/refocus/

A limited number of free spaces will be made available to freelancers or those working in micro organisations. To find out more please email zade.campbell-davies@hijinx.org.uk.

Notes to editors

Media enquiries: Angharad Davies, AMD Communications, angharadcomms@gmail.com, +44 7838 394161.

Image credit: Jonathan Dunn

ReFocus Training

When:

26th September

27th September

Where: Tramshed Tech in Grangetown. https://www.tramshedcardiff.com/venue-information/

To book: https://www.hijinx.org.uk/refocus/

Hijinx

Hijinx is one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, striving for equal representation and equity on stage, on screen and in life for learning disabled and/or autistic people, locally, nationally, and internationally for Wales and for the world.

The company’s acclaimed work is original, surprising, edgy, and funny and in huge demand across the globe, with productions including Meet Fred, The Flop and Into the Light travelling to over 20 countries in recent years.

Embracing the power of digital creation as a response to Covid isolation, Hijinx have continued to innovate with Are You OK? with Hong Kong Arts Festival No Limits, Metamorphosis, which won two awards at the Good Theatre Festival Awards: ‘Best Direction’ and ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’, and digital hybrid theatre experience the_crash.test.

Around Wales Hijinx Academies provide professional drama training for 70 uniquely talented actors. These Hijinx Actors, who have conditions such as Down’s Syndrome and Autism, are at the heart of the company’s work in productions, in businesses and in community projects. They are promoted to the wider theatre, TV and film industries on www.hijinxactors.co.uk, the UK’s largest casting platform dedicated to actors with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Hijinx’s aim to see more actors with learning disabilities and/or autism on TV and film, as well as on stage. Hijinx Films produces stunning short films to raise the profile and impact of the unique talents of Hijinx actors, and in 2018, the company published recommendations for new screen industry standards for casting learning-disabled (neurodivergent) actors. Hijinx PAWB offers a Wales-wide network of community drama courses for everyone who wants to act, regardless of ability or experience.

Alongside, Hijinx offers an award-winning, specialist training programme, which empowersstaff in a wide range of businesses with the confidence and skills to communicate more effectively.

Hijinx are a part of Arts Council Wales National Portfolio and receive funding from a range of generous supporters including the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Rayne Foundation, CreativeWales, Simon Gibson Charitable Trust, Moondance Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund and Genesis Foundation.

For the latest Hijinx news and updates, see the website http://www.hijinx.org.uk. Follow Hijinx on Twitter and Instagram @HijinxTheatre or Facebook.com/HijinxTheatre

Hijinx actors Faye Wiggan and Wiliam Young have recently landed exciting stage roles with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Birmingham Rep, as more theatre venues are looking to cast authentically and inclusively.

Since 2017, Hijinx Actors has been the casting arm of Hijinx, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies.

Hijinx actor Faye Wiggan has been cast as Debbie in VILLAGE IDIOT, alongside Mark Benton (Early Doors, Waterloo Road) and Eileen Nicholas (Trainspotting). VILLAGE IDIOT is a brand-new production presented by Theatre Royal Stratford East, Nottingham Playhouse and Ramps on the Moon.

On landing the role and starting rehearsals in London, Faye expressed her excitement as she says she feels “shocked”.

“I can’t believe I made it all the way to a city…I have no words. I don’t feel like I want to give up, because look where I am!”

Director Nadia Fall said, 

“I’d never read anything quite like Village Idiot: it’s audacious, made me laugh out loud and gave me a window into country life that those of us from towns and cities just don’t get to see. And what’s particularly exciting to me is that this is the first Ramps show that is a new play, written by a neurodivergent writer.”

VILLAGE IDIOT will run 11 – 25 March at Nottingham Playhouse, 29 March – 1 April at the New Wolsey, Ipswich and 13 April – 6 May at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Alongside Tom McCall (RSC/Bristol Old Vic) as George, Hijinx Actor Wiliam Young has been cast as Lennie in Of Mice and Men at Birmingham Rep, a role he is reprising after playing Lennie in 2017 with August 012. Wiliam said:

“I’m ecstatic to be playing Lennie again. He reminds me of Roald Dahl’s BFG. I’m doing this for all the other people with learning difficulties/disabilities who love to act but haven’t had the opportunity to land any professional roles yet.”

Director Iqbal Khan said,

“I’m so excited to be working with a great and diverse company on this timeless parable from Steinbeck. I look forward to creating a beautiful and generous production, that embraces all who experience exclusion in challenging times.”

Of Mice and Men is presented by The Rep, Leeds Playhouse and Fiery Angel, in arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd and will run from 18 March – 8 April at The Rep.

Hijinx has been working with learning disabled actors for more than 20 years, and for the past decade has produced award-winning shows which cast disabled and non-disabled actors side by side.

The unique casting platform, Hijinx Actors, represents over 60 professionally trained actors with learning disabilities and/or autism from around Wales, and has the wider goal of increasing inclusivity in casting within the stage and screen industries. Collectively, Hijinx actors have worked on over 35 stage and screen opportunities external to Hijinx.

Olivia Harris, Head of Business Development: Casting at Hijinx, says,

“One of the main motivations for setting up the casting arm of Hijinx was to champion and support the wealth of talent we see every day with the actors we work with, so we are delighted that Wiliam and Faye have been cast in these major theatre productions across the UK.”

Discover more about the casting platform Hijinx Actors: www.hijinxactors.co.uk.

Image by Kris Askey.

Hijinx’s Global Smash Hit Meet Fred Comes to the Memo Arts Centre, Barry on 3rd March 

Hijinx are taking their award-winning smash hit Meet Fred to the Barry Memo on 3 March, before the show embarks on the final leg of a 52-date French tour. The performance in Barry is a rare chance to catch Meet Fred on Welsh soil.  

Hijinx is one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, creating outstanding performances with learning disabled and/or autistic artists on stage and on screen, for Wales and for the world. 

Fred is a two-foot-tall cloth puppet that fights prejudice every day. He just wants to be a regular guy, part of the real world, to get a job and meet a girl, but when threatened with losing his PLA (Puppetry Living Allowance), Fred’s life begins to spiral out of his control. 

Meet Fred, produced by Hijinx in association with Blind Summit, was met with rave reviews following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016, which led to international appearances including at the World Puppet Theatre Festival in Charleville-Mézières, France.  

It has continued to tour and now, in its eighth year, Meet Fred has been performed over 250 times, seen by over 25,000 people and visited 19 countries throughout Europe and beyond, notably including the USA, China, and South Korea. 

Hijinx Actor Lindsay Foster, who hails from Barry, is the only remaining original member of the cast and continues to tour with the show. Lindsay says, 

“My experience with Meet Fred has been both chaotic and fun. Travelling to new places I’d dare not go myself. It has at times also been sad, as the only original member from the beginning of the tour. I’ve seen old cast step back as new members stepped in, all bringing their own energy to the show. I can’t wait to tour in France again. The land of cheese and croissants!” 

On performing in Barry for the first time, Lindsay says it is “Exciting. It’s closer to home. And my family are coming to see it!” 

Lindsay attends one of Hijinx’s professional performance training Academies for learning disabled and/or autistic actors and is represented by the Hijinx casting arm, Hijinx Actors. Hijinx Actors represents over 60 professionally trained actors with learning disabilities and/or autism from around Wales and has the wider goal of increasing inclusivity in casting within the stage and screen industries.  

Meet Fred will be performed at the Memo Arts Centre, Barry, on Friday 3 March, 7.30pm. Suitable for ages 14+. Contains strong language and puppet nudity. 

Folk partners with inclusive theatre company Hijinx to bring representation to the comms industry

Creative communications agency Folk has formed a partnership with world-leading inclusive theatre company Hijinx Theatre to bring more diversity to the marketing and comms industry.

Hijinx creates opportunities for actors with learning disabilities and/or autism through theatre and film productions. These aim to confound expectations and challenge people’s perceptions about learning disability.

Folk’s financial sponsorship will go towards supporting the operational running of Hijinx which provides professional performance training for actors with learning disabilities and/or autism and supports them to access jobs in theatre and film. The partnership demonstrates Folk’s commitment to improving representation of disabled people in media and marketing.

Sharon Flaherty, CEO of Folk says:

“Founded from my firm belief that every voice matters, Folk’s mission is getting people from all backgrounds heard, represented, valued, and empowered. I believe this partnership with Hijinx Theatre will help us to keep improving the visibility of underrepresented groups on screen which will keep up the momentum on normalising difference and hitting home the message of the importance of representation for all in the marketing, PR and the advertising industries.

Cardiff-based Folk was rebranded in November from multi-award-winning agency BrandContent, which Sharon Flaherty launched in 2014. Folk is committed to creating inclusive marketing campaigns and to helping clients to achieve representation and inclusivity.

Hijinx runs five training Academies to provide professional performance training for 70 uniquely talented actors with autism and other learning disabilities, providing them with the skills needed to become professional performers.

Sarah Horner, CEO of Hijinx says:

“At Hijinx we’re always excited to build connections with organisations committed to access and inclusion for all. By working together Hijinx and Folk have a unique opportunity to inform each other’s work, building understanding and seeding real change in the advertising and marketing industry, ensuring that representation for learning disabled and/or autistic people is authentic, and that voices are amplified and heard. As a charity, support from companies like Folk is invaluable in helping us to continue our work to pioneer, produce and promote professional and participatory opportunities in the arts and creative industries for learning disabled and/or autistic people. We’re hugely grateful for their sponsorship in these challenging times, it will have a real impact.”

Acclaimed Hijinx productions include Meet Fred, Into the Light and Metamorphosis, which have toured globally to over 35 countries in recent years. And its actors have gone on to appear in BBC’s Casualty, and Severn Screen for S4C and BBC Cymru’s final series of Craith/Hidden.

ENDS

For more information contact Fiona Magill: Fiona@persuasioncomms.com

About Folk

Folk (formerly BrandContent) is an independent, Cardiff-based agency on a mission to make inclusive representation the norm for all communications. The agency works nationally and internationally with household brands in a range of sectors including financial services, education, technology and the public sector with clients including FTSE 100 Admiral, Principality Building Society, the Welsh Government. It is a co-founding member of the CMA diversity and inclusion group, is a disability confident employer, Whizz kids partner and a member of the climate perks initiative. It was named Best Small Agency at the International Content Marketing Awards in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Eye See Ai: Hijinx Launch Augmented Reality App as Part of International Research & Development Project 

Inclusive theatre company Hijinx have been working on an innovative research and development project, in partnership with Vietnamese companies Mắt Trần Ensemble, Tòhe and VTT. The project, called Eye See Ai, has seen the companies collaborating in the creation of six short digital performances featuring learning disabled and/or Autistic artists, which can now be experienced as augmented reality through a specially developed smart-phone app. This is a new frontier for the team, who have been experimenting with the technology for the past 2 years and look forward to sharing the results with audiences in Hanoi and Cardiff. Eye See Ai has been supported by the British Council’s Digital Collaboration Fund, and is available for audiences to discover from 5 November.  

Who is involved? 

Hijinx are one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, creating outstanding performances with learning disabled and/or autistic artists on stage and on screen. Vietnamese collaborators Mắt Trần Ensemble are a group of Vietnamese puppeteers, pursuing a vision of inclusive performing arts, connecting people and bringing art closer to marginalised communities. Tòhe, a social enterprise with the mission of creating creative playgrounds for disadvantaged children, support young autistic artists to learn and develop through a variety of educational and visual art activities. Technical partners VTT, who have built the Eye See Ai app, provide AR technology to create authentic experiences in familiar spaces.  

More about the project: 

Eye See Ai is a research project, aiming to allow exciting cultural exchanges as audiences are given the opportunity to explore Hanoi and Cardiff using augmented reality technology. The app features six short performances, three to be discovered in each city, inspired by chosen landmarks. Hijinx actors Victoria Walters, Becky King and Gareth John will be transported to three landmarks in Hanoi, whilst performers from Mắt Trần will be visible at three locations in Cardiff’s city centre. These movement and puppetry performances were devised by Hijinx facilitators and actors, alongside Mat Tran puppeteers and participants. BAFTA Cymru award-winning composer Tic Ashfield and Vietnamese composer Nguyễn Hồng Nhung (also known as Sound Awakener) have created unique soundtracks to accompany the performances.  

Once you have downloaded the app, the performances are triggered by aiming your smartphone at the different landmarks in the respective cities. In Cardiff, these locations are Clwb Ifor Bach, the Lion on the Animal Wall by Cardiff Castle, and the wooden frame by the Gorsedd Stone Circle in Bute Park. These specially chosen locations become the stage for the performances. 

Eye See Ai has been made possible through funding from the British Council’s Digital Collaboration Fund, which supports UK and overseas cultural partnerships to develop digitally innovative ways of working together, a funding stream offered when the pandemic halted in-person collaboration.  

To use the app:  

As the project is an R&D the app still has elements that can glitch, but VTT have provided a summary of common issues and how they can be resolved, which can be found on the Hijinx website. Home – Hijinx – Theatre – Film – Training – Community – Inclusive – Wales 

Download the Eye See Ai app here: Eye See Ai – Hijinx 

ENDS  

For further press information, images, to arrange an interview, please contact Caitlin Rickard: caitlin.rickard@hijinx.org.uk | 029 2030 0331  

Hijinx Odyssey reunited on stage in new Christmas show Doctor Dolittle’s Wild Adventure, marking return to normality after pandemic  

Hijinx’s community theatre group Odyssey are back this December for their annual Christmas production in the Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, from the 1 – 3 December. This year’s production, Doctor Dolittle’s Wild Adventure, directed by Hijinx’s Head of Participation Jon Dafydd-Kidd, will see the whole group reunited on stage for the first time since 2019.  

After the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the group from performing together in 2020, the Odyssey group were pleased to perform once again in 2021; however, last year’s sell-out run of Pinocchio and the Northern Lights was not a return to normality. To reduce the risk of COVID-19, the cast were creatively split so that half appeared on stage performing against the other half in integrated digital scenes. This year the group are all back together in one room, to rehearse, perform and socialise.  

Hijinx are one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, creating outstanding performances with learning disabled and/or autistic artists on stage and on screen. Hijinx’s community strand, PAWB, provides creative opportunities for anyone who wants to perform, regardless of ability or experience. PAWB’s Odyssey is an inclusive community theatre group for actors aged 25+, featuring a mixture of actors with learning disabilities and/or autism, and neurotypical actors who perform together as equal partners. This year’s Christmas treat from the group will be Doctor Dolittle’s Wild Adventure, inspired by Hugh Lofting’s classic tale of a physician who favours animal patients over human ones. Odyssey’s interpretation of this story has been written by Hefin Robinson, with contributions from Odyssey participants. Hefin has worked with Odyssey twice before, on the scripts for Pinocchio and the Northern Lights (2021) and The Curious Muchness of Stuff and Nonsense (2019). About his time with Odyssey, Hefin says, 

“Now into my third show with Odyssey, I have come to deeply understand the importance of this group. I have been inspired by moments of bravery and brilliance. I have witnessed the value of inclusivity and of giving everyone a voice.” 

Hefin Robinson

Odyssey provides a much-needed space for its participants to come together and share their love of performing, as well as being a place of support for many. Hijinx’s 2021 Social Impact Report found that 73% of their actors and participants said they felt happier since joining Hijinx. The significance of being in the room again, not only to rehearse and perform, but to socialise too, cannot be understated. Sara Pickard, a participant of Odyssey, says, 

“Being a part of Odyssey is like having a second family where you can share every happy moment with people who are your friends, and also being there to offer a shoulder to lean on when times are difficult.” 

Sara Pickard

Becky King, a Hijinx Academy actor as well as a participant of Odyssey, is playing the lead role of Doctor Jane Dolittle in this year’s production. Becky has been a member of Odyssey since 2018, when she first appeared in Hansel, Gedeon and the Grimms’ Wood in 2018.  

“Odyssey means everything to me. Getting to play the main character is a big achievement; I’m happy and excited, but a bit nervous, but I’m going to show everyone that I can do well and that I can be an amazing doctor.” 

Becky King

This year’s production, Doctor Dolittle’s Wild Adventure, is a brand-new family show that features many classic characters, including the Ugly Duckling, Billy Goats Gruff, Three Little Pigs, Nellie the Elephant and Incy Wincy Spider; it is a joyous and vibrant celebration of the natural world and all its colourful creatures. The environmental themes of the story will also have an impact on set design and costume, with much of these pieces to be made from recycled materials. 

This December, join Doctor Dolittle and friends on a quest to find the legendary Pushmi-Pullyu and save the heart of the forest… and Christmas!  

You can catch Doctor Dolittle’s Wild Adventure at the Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, 1 – 3 December 2022.  

Performance dates & times: 

Access: 

Age suitability: 5+ 

Book your tickets here: Doctor Dolittle’s Wild Adventure | Wales Millennium Centre (wmc.org.uk) 

Pioneering Theatre, Dance, Comedy, Cabaret, Film & Street Theatre Pop-Ups

16 June – 2 July 2022
Cardiff – Bangor – Llanelli – Online

Hijinx’s Unity Festival is one of Europe’s largest inclusive and disability arts festivals and the only one of its kind in Wales. Its long-awaited return marks its 10th edition and to celebrate, a bumper programme is set to delight audiences across Wales and beyond! Unity Festival, brought to you by Hijinx, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, presents a diverse programme that is jam-packed with over 100 events across 17 days that will span Cardiff (Wales Millennium Centre, Porters, Chapter and The Hayes) Bangor (Pontio) and Llanelli (Ffwrnes) from 16 June to 2 July 2022. Several performances will be available to enjoy livestreamed or on demand via a new digital platform called Hijinx Mobile, in partnership with Spain’s Escena Mobile, which will be accessible via the Hijinx website.

Hijinx’s Artistic Director and curator of the Unity Festival, Ben Pettitt-Wade said:

“We are thrilled to be re-launching the Unity Festival in Wales this year and after a five-year hiatus we are going to be back better than ever! Get ready for lots of exciting theatre, dance, comedy, film, street theatre pop-ups and a new hybrid production. It will be a spectacular showcase of outstanding art in all forms by performers who are learning disabled and/or autistic and will feature acts from Wales, UK, throughout Europe and beyond.” 

Hijinx’s Associate Artist, Richard Newnham said:

“I believe what works about the Unity Festival is that it showcases the magnificent talent that the general public might otherwise be unaware of. Where better to see a wide array of talented actors, comedians and dancers on such a diverse and international level.”

Unity Festival will once again be bringing together some of the best inclusive and disability arts and theatre from around the world to showcase right here in Wales, including About Face, Avant Cymru with Ill-Abilities, Cheryl Beer, Compagnie DK-BEL, Danza Mobile, Drag Syndrome, House of Deviant, Kitsch & Sync, l’Oiseau-Mouche, Mind The Gap, Ramshacklicious, Solidarity of Hope Collective, Splatch Arts, Stop Gap, Taking Flight and tanzbar_bremen. Hijinx’s own productions; Rock Cliché, Grumpy Unicorns, The Astronauts will be making an appearance alongside some exciting new performances from the Hijinx Academy and PAWB groups. There will also be a second chance to see Hijinx’s brand-new hybrid theatre experience, the_crash.test, following its premiere in May, plus a mixture of free, ticketed and online events to engage with, ensuring people can participate in the fun in-person as well as from home, across the world.

Ben Pettitt-Wade explained:

“The digital platform will include a programme of recorded and live streamed content from our own Hijinx Unity Festival and the Escena Mobile Festival in Seville. But it will be more than a space to see the work of both festivals, it will also be a network which will enable audiences to leave comments and interact with one another and the artists involved. It is something completely new for our event and we are very excited to share a flavour of our festivals with new audiences and create an accessible option for those who may not be able to attend in person.” 

The festival kicks off in Cardiff 16 – 26 June before touring to Bangor’s Pontio 28 – 29 June, then Llanelli’s Ffwrnes 1-2 July, with a special programme of satellite events at each location.

Opening the festival in high spirits on 16 June will be a brand-new Comedy Night in Porters, Cardiff. Assembled by Hijinx’s Associate Artist Richard Newnham, the evening will feature Wales’ Dan Mitchell (“Absolutely brilliant” Ross Noble) plus Juliana Heng (Malaysia), Sha Rita (USA), Chiron Barron (Canada).

The festivities will then move to Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre for the Unity Festival’s inaugural Film Festival 20 – 21 June. Showcasing some of the best, recent, inclusive film work from Wales, the UK, and internationally, this festival-within-a-festival will mix features, shorts, premieres, panel discussions and more. Traveling versions of the Film Festival will also visit Bangor and Llanelli. The full schedule of films and events will be published later in May.

Between 22 – 26 June, the Wales Millennium Centre will be host to free events in the foyer, including a new production with Hijinx Academies and Kitsch & Sync collective which involves human hamsters and zorb balls! Ticketed events will take place in the Weston Studio including the hotly anticipated return of Danza Mobile, one of Europe’s most successful inclusive dance companies who present a playful look of what makes us, us, in El festín de los cuerpos.

There is also a haunting, topical, and political piece by Vero Cendoya Dance Company, whose compelling, dance-theatre epic BOGUMER (or Children of Lunacharsky) explores the dynamics of power, set in Moscow in 1919.

Hijinx’s newest work the_crash.test, is a thought-provoking, funny and visually immersive delight set not-too-far in the future. Incorporating motion capture puppetry, large scale projection and original composition, the_crash.test presents an inclusive cast of performers on stage and via video link, designed for audiences both in-person and online.

The finale of the Cardiff showcase coincides with the end of Mencap’s Learning Disability Week, so Hijinx are teaming up with Mencap Cymru to bring you Drag Syndrome (& friends); the ground-breaking, internationally acclaimed drag collective featuring highly addictive drag Queens and Kings with Down’s syndrome. Cardiff’s own House of Deviant will be supporting this performance.

On Saturday 25 June, there will be free street theatre pop-ups in the (hopefully!) glorious sunshine on The Hayes. Artists confirmed so far include Hijinx’s Rock Cliché, The Astronauts and Grumpy Unicorns; Mind the Gap, About Face, Avant Cymru, tanzbar_bremen, and Danza Mobile.

Disability Arts Cymru and Hijinx have also commissioned a new piece of disability art to be performed as part of the Unity Festival. After receiving several high-quality proposals, Hijinx are thrilled to announce Solidarity of Hope have been selected, and they can’t wait to see what they create. Led by Rachel Gadsden and Helen Roeten, the project will engage with 10 Wales based disabled artists to create an event which will be part of the Hijinx programme in Llanelli and online.

More acts and artists and the full schedule for all venues will be announced in the next few weeks.

For more information, please visit: www.hijinx.org.uk/unity2022
Social media: @hijinxtheatre #Unity10

Hijinx returns to the stage and screen with a new darkly playful Frankenstein tale for our age

Award-winning theatre company, Hijinx, presents a provocative, funny, and visually immersive delight set not too far in the future. the_crash.test will open at Wales Millennium Centre on 13 & 14 May followed by its international debut at Mittenmang Festival in Bremen, and additional performances as part of the Hijinx Unity Festival in June and July 2022 in Cardiff, Bangor and Llanelli.

Incorporating motion capture puppetry, large scale projection and original composition, the_crash.test presents an inclusive cast of performers on stage and via video link, for audiences both in person and online. 

Known for its pioneering, inclusive theatre work that is original, surprising, edgy, and funny and in huge demand across the globe, Hijinx’s newest production draws a parallel to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and our relationship with technology. A comedic venture into the world of A.I. and the robotic versions of ourselves we might create in the future. the_crash.test features tech start up Figital who are on a mission to create the next big thing; “the thing we never knew we wanted, but it turns out we all needed. A new thing-a-me-bob. Or ‘Bob’ for short”. However, they don’t quite know how it works or the consequences of their new creation!

Hijinx’s Artistic Director and Director of the_crash.test, Ben Pettitt-Wade said,

“We are continually looking at new ways of creating our work and new ways of providing a platform for our brilliant artists. Interaction has always been important to our performances, the challenge we have set ourselves is to provide an interactive experience that is equal, though different, for an audience online and in person. As ever our artists have been at the heart of creating this production, bringing with it their unique perspective and creativity. We can’t wait to share it with you”

This latest work is the third in a series of ‘Hybrid Theatre’ explorations, fusing performance and technology by the Cardiff based company who pioneer, produce, and promote opportunities for actors with learning disabilities and/or autism. 

In 2020, Hijinx’s critically acclaimed online digital performance Metamorphosis premiered at the Green Man Festival and signified the beginning of the company’s pursuit of boundary-breaking ways that culture can be delivered, performed and enjoyed. The work was widely praised for its innovative use of Zoom, which even garnered an award at that year’s Good The@tre Awards by Red Curtain International.. Hijinx are also partners in a pioneering cultural exchange, “EyeSeeAi”, working with several Vietnamese companies to test and explore new ways of creating AR performances and develop an app with actors with learning disabilities and autism based in Wales and Vietnam. 

the_crash.test will have BSL and audio description on 14 May. The online version of the event will be live captioned for every performance. 

The production will later feature as part of Hijinx’s eagerly awaited, Unity Festival returning to Cardiff, Bangor and Llanelli for its tenth edition!

Confirmed Cast to include:

Production Team:

Performances

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Friday 13 May, 8pm

Saturday 14 May, 8pm

Venue Tickets: https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2022/the-crash-test

To watch online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Hijinx/e-yvbvxk

For further information please visit hijinx.org.uk, @hijinxtheatre #letsgetfigital 

the_crash.test  is brought to you by Hijinx in partnership with Wales Millennium Centre, Pontio and Ffrwnes and is generously supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Colwinston Charitable Trust, Tŷ Cerdd, the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Assembly Goverment. 

One of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, Hijinx, is continuing to drive forward the important message of the creative industries working inclusively in Wales and beyond, with more actors with learning disabilities and autism represented and visible on screen. 

Over the next few weeks some of Hijinx’s actors will be seen on stage and screen, including one actor, Justin Melluish, taking a lead role in the hit BBC One Wales drama, Hidden.  

This will be the final instalment of the series of Hidden, where DCI Cadi John (Sian Reese-Williams) and DS Owen Vaughan (Siôn Alun Davies) return to BBC One Wales and BBC Four. Justin will play, Glyn, who is the brother of a local labourer Siôn Thomas (played by Sion Ifan).  

Hidden production company, Seven Screen, S4C and BBC Wales worked collaboratively in partnership with Hijinx. Seven Screen, producer Hannah Thomas said, 

“Working with Hijinx gave us an opportunity to review our practices, to think how we work and be more inclusive, which we will be taking forward into other productions.  Justin is an incredibly talented actor and working with Hijinx through the casting process made us aware of the breadth of talent available and I hope other producers will consider their approach.” 

This is the first leading TV role for Justin.

“It was a great experience to meet the cast and crew. They are lovely people to work with and I bonded with my brother Sion in the series.” 

Justin Melluish – Hijinx Actor

While Justin Melluish will be seen on BBC, this calendar year alone, many of Hijinx actors are auditioning for other television roles.

“14 of our actors have auditioned for prime-time television roles, large-scale theatre productions and ground-breaking virtual reality projects. The remainder of the year is set to be a busy one for the talented Hijinx Actors.”

Ellen Groves – Head of Business Development, Hijinx

Hijinx’s pioneering training programme has made significant changes to the perception of how actors with learning disabilities and/or autism are seen on stage, screen and in the community. In its recent Social Impact Report, researchers had found that Hijinx had changed the way the creative industries operated since 2019.  

As part of their ambition to increase representation of learning disabled and/or autistic people on stage and screen, Hijinx are in the process of developing a range of support services for the screen sector to help productions to work more inclusively.  

Supported by Clwstwr, the Inclusive Film project is working with production companies around Wales, including Severn Screen, to research and develop training for people working on productions to communicate more effectively, alongside consultancy support, to drive more inclusive ways of working that will help create more employment opportunities within the sector. 

“At Hijinx we see the power of theatre and the arts to transform on a daily basis. We are proud to create work and experiences that change people’s perceptions, and create changes that lead to increased opportunities, but we know we still need to do a lot more, especially at this time of recovery. We want to ensure our communities are not excluded from engaging with the arts after the pandemic. We, alongside many other organisations and individuals, will continue to lobby for inclusive provision for artists, participants and audiences. We want the screen and stage industries to follow the Seven Industry Principles, a new guide to support the industry to make decisions inclusively, to go beyond compliance and celebrate diversity, and to see a truly inclusive recovery.” 

Sarah Horner – Chief Executive, Hijinx

Hijinx’s Social Impact Report was supported by Lloyds Bank Foundation. 

Hidden airs on BBC One Wales on Wednesday 16 March at 9pm and on BBC Four on 19 March at 9pm. The series will also be available to watch on iPlayer.