Summary:
In Sick + Twisted Theatre’s third annual “Crip-Mas” panto, audiences follow young Jax (Cyan Gargol) as they confront a fascistic coup in Skyworld that seeks to drain the Lowlands of its resources. The panto invites audience participation in booing villains, such as the President/Emperor-Elect and their Masterminder, while rooting for the heroes, including non-binary and neurodivergent Jax.
Founded by Debbie Patterson, Sick + Twisted emphasizes inclusivity, showcasing artists with diverse disabilities while blending humor, song, and dance with critiques of ableist power dynamics. Co-writers Fiona Smith and Andrea von Wichert crafted the storyline from a dream, reflecting contemporary issues like the rise of fascism.
The characters, including a cunning Masterminder and puppeteered leaders, satirize current political figures, while the narrative aims to challenge societal structures. The panto not only entertains but also highlights underrepresented roles for artists with disabilities, positioning them in an empowering light rather than as their disabilities’ focal point. Gargol, who identifies as neurodivergent and non-binary, expresses gratitude for this representation, underscoring the creative process’s supportive, open environment.
