Frank, funny, and fearless – PUSH is a performance that bursts with tenderness, grit, and the courage to be unapologetically authentic. Presented by the Screech Arts ensemble in partnership with the Anywhere Theatre Festival, this innovative site-specific work played to near-capacity audiences across the first weekend in August at the iconic Paint Factory in Yeronga.
Directed by Zen Zen Zo’s physical theatre pioneer Lynne Bradley, and in collaboration with neurodivergent writer Niala Lewis, the show explored what PUSH meant across more than a dozen scenes, brining thought-provoking stories to the stage.
Reviewer Catherine Lawrence described the work as:
"Clever, insightful, and important… Each time I have the opportunity to go to see a Screech Arts show I lock it in, as I know I will see something that will impress, engage, and move audiences… The show closes with director Lynne Bradley’s challenge to the audience: ‘when life holds us back, we push […] The question is, will you push with us too?’ I hope that Screech Arts find future opportunities to bring this work to a wider audience—whether on a more conventional inner-city stage, or back in the fabulous Paint Factory Anywhere Festival Hub."
A collision of dance, movement, music, and physical theatre, PUSH showcased the outstanding talents of the Screech Arts Actors Ensemble and Dance Troupe. Through breathtaking authenticity, the performers told their own stories of pushing against adversity, defying expectations, and celebrating their abilities.
Aidan Chauncy, Screech Arts performer, said the experience of performing was deeply personal, as well as being the happiest day of his life so far. Aidan said the show was unique and interesting with the aim to inspire others.
Michael Doust, Screech Arts performer, echoed the transformative power of the work:
“It’s TIME TO OPEN UP and push past the stigma. PUSH allowed me to celebrate that I am a sexy gay man, and I deserve to be loved – just like everyone else.”
PUSH wasn’t just a show – it was a declaration. It reminds the audience that when we push together, we move the world. Madeleine Little, Artistic Director of Undercover Artist Festival, reflected on the strong message about inclusion that PUSH carries:
“As disabled artists, we often have to push in and make our own room, and push ourselves to be bold and take up space in a world that wasn’t built for us."
Directed by Lynne Bradley, choreographed by Sarah McGill, and written/directed in part by Niala Lewis, the production featured Danielle Carty, Aidan Chauncy, Dylan Geary, Dale Gonelli, Mags Doherty, Michael Doust, and Danielle Stewart, alongside guest performers Keri Bertwistle and Jasmin Cox, with the unwavering support of the Screech Arts creative team.
Want to see more Screech Arts performances? Check them out at Undercover Artist Festival, performing Wired Differently. Tickets on sale now!
