‘Everyone is important and necessary, which is the purest form of inclusion’

DEBORAH STONE is inspired by a Melbourne Jewish theatre company that allows disabled people to enjoy their share of the limelight

THE THRILL OF the stage has been an annual highlight for cousins Eitan Meyerowitz and Zac Chester, who both tread the boards for the Melbourne Purim Spiel.  Eitan often has a lead role but Zac, who has Down syndrome, could never get beyond the chorus line in a regular theatre group.

Seeing his cousin’s desire to star in a show prompted Eitan to wonder what it would take to create a musical that allowed disabled people their share of the limelight.

The result is a new inclusive theatre company called Stars and the Moon which gave its debut performance on November 28 with a showcase of songs from Seussical.

 Zac, resplendent in a blonde wig and glittering dress as Mayzie La Bird, was one of 18 disabled performers who shared the stage with 35 other young people, mostly drawn from Jewish school and youth movements graduates.

Producing Seussical: the inclusical has been doubly challenging because the show had been scheduled to have its first full costumed run-through on the evening Melbourne was thrown into full lockdown with two hours’ notice. Cast and crew had to turn around and go home, a heart-breaking disappointment after working so hard towards showtime.

Plans for a full production had to be put on hold and the team settled for a showcase of songs to premiere the company.

But nothing about that premiere felt like a compromise to the audience of family and friends who buzzed with enthusiasm after the show, praising the vision of the production team, the dedication of the cast, and the unexpected capacities of their children.