DAFT – the Disabled Artists' Festival of Theatre 2023
It’s back! Bolder, longer, more accessible, and with slightly more joint pain, it’s DAFT 2023!
D.A.F.T 2023 is presented by and showcases Wellington based d/Deaf and Disabled performing artists, writers, and filmmakers. The Festival is being held over two weeks across two accessible venues, the ground floor of BATS Theatre and Two/FiftySeven Willis Street, as well as two online events!
DAFT Workshop: Accessible Improv Fun
19 September at 10:00 am
Learn from a fellow disabled improvisor (and festival co-director!), and throw away your inhibitions, expectations, and a decent chunk of your dignity.
Accessible Improv Fun. (A joyful taster for disabled and D/deaf people to try improv, play games, and connect.)
5 Slices of Another Life - Development Season
21 September at 7:00 pm
Two women wait to be rescued from a burning building. Another finds salvation in a box of chickens. Things get awkward in a cafe. A detective investigates himself, and a blind seer delivers one last prophecy. Five new Kiwi plays, written by and featuring disabled and neurodiverse folk – are you ready to step into another life?
DAFT WORKSHOP—NEIL THORNTON'S COMEDY CLASS
A fun no-pressure overview of everything you need to know to get a mic in your face for the first time. Learn techniques for joke-writing and delivery, where and how to get practice, and how to avoid many common mistakes new performers make.
DAFT Drama Workshop with Silver Noodle Soup
22 September at 10:00 AM
Join award-winning Silver Noodle Soup Film and Theatre Company for a drama workshop like no other! These festival favourites create a safe and joyful space.
DAFT - Palsy it Up
23 September at 2:00 PM + 29 September at 6:30 PM
If you liked ten minutes of Dave Batten last year, you're in luck! The rest of his set is HERE in full-length glory.
Expect self-deprecation, social commentary, hearty guffaws, and unrestrained honesty.
DAFT Workshop: Techniques for Disabled Improvisors
26 September at 10:00 am
Workshop two: Techniques for disabled improvisors. (For disabled and D/deaf performers with some prior experience, who want to take their improv skills to the next level.)
Scratch Night
26 September at 6:30 PM
Witness a wide range of talent from individuals and groups! Check out how many art forms we can cram into one evening!
Bite-sized work-in-progress, raw, unpolished new and developing pieces from local writers, dancers, makers, and creatives.
DAFT Drag Workshop with Willy Smackntush
29 September at 2:00 PM
Discover your drag character, create a catchy name, and bring them to life!
Learn about stage presence, song choice, incorporating your existing talents, and how to drive a crowd wild with excitement!
DAFT WORKSHOP — DANCE AND MOVEMENT
PRESENTED BY SUMARA FRASER
Join WIDance for a playful dance experience, where we will warm up to some fun tunes, create mini dances, and find new ways of moving and grooving on the dance floor.
DAFT - Chronic Club Cabaret
30 September at 6:30 PM
Celebrate the success of DAFT '23 with MC (and festival co-director) Creatif Kate as she hosts (probably horizontally) an extravaganza of talent from all corners of the cabaret scene. Opera, burlesque, drag, and performance art like you've never seen before!
Body of Work
A one-woman poetry show about having a chronically ill, disabled, plus size fem body.
accessibility information
The accessible ramped entrance with handrails is located to the left of the building front. This provides direct access to the foyer and bar area, and a wheelchair-accessible Box Office counter and bathroom on the ground floor as well as The Stage. There is clear access when you are inside to The Stage and an accessible toilet.
