Betsy and I is a new, disability led, semi-autobiographical performance work that explores Ivy’s relationship her disability through her friendship with her wheelie-walker, Betsy. Set in a tea party, the show is full of honest and often funny conversations, Betsy and I explores what it means to be disabled. This show is accessible for both the artists and its audiences.
Betsy is fabulous and feisty, hates being alone and knows what she wants – to get out of the car boot. She is at Ivy’s mercy and complains when she’s been ignored. At the end of the day, despite their tumultuous relationship, they realise how much they need each other.
Delving into themes around ableism, internalised ableism, shame, pride, identity and acceptance. The show presents these themes in a safe way, enabling the audience to see the truth more clearly.
This project was supported by the Undercover Artist Development Program.
Undercover Artist Festival is hosted at Queensland Theatre, find out more about purchasing tickets here and venue access here.
Community/Concession tickets are available for people with disability, First Nations patrons, seniors, and concession card holders. Companion Card holders can access a free ticket.
Thursday, 21 September 2023
5:30pm
Diane Cilento Studio
Queensland Theatre
78 Montague Rd,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
No warnings
Producer: indelabilityarts
Creator/Writer/Performer: Alexandra Ellen
Director: Cienda McNamara
Performer: Sophie Kleinschmidt
Performer: Cameron Hurry
Stage Manager: Helen Gillespie
Set and Costume Design: Jess Hansen
Sound Design: Sarah Claire Judd
Integrated Auslan Interpreters: FAB Interpreting
Betsy and I was produced with the support of indelabilityarts.
Alexandra Ellen (she/her)
Alexandra Ellen is a Brisbane based theatre maker and visual artist. She takes a multidisciplinary approach to her artistic practice which crosses form. She aims to educate, challenge, expose, encourage and delight.
Alexandra Ellen is the Artistic Associate at indelabilityarts and has been a member of the professional ensemble since 2017. She was a contributing member of the Love Me; and is part of the creative team and cast of award winning show, Wilbur The Optical Whale. Alexandra is also a visual artist and a member of Access Arts visual arts BOA and Earn From Your Arts programs. Her visual arts practice can be described as expressive and intuitive, leaning towards mixed media and experimenting with materials and technique.
Over the last three years, she has contributed to many collaborative exhibitions and curated her first solo exhibition Outside Inside in 2019. Alexandra was part of La Boite’s 2020 ASSEMBLY cohort and was the 2020 Access Arts Achievement Award recipient.
Proudly supported by
This program is proudly sponsored by Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Undercover Artist Festival is presented by Access Arts and CPL.
Undercover Artist acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present, and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their unique cultural and spiritual relationship to land, water and seas and their rich contribution to society.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
