Travelling the HIGH road

In August, Rachel—who is the first person with Down Syndrome in Australia to graduate from university, completing her Bachelor of Arts (Drama)—will debut her self-inspired theatre performance, aptly titled HIGH. 

The multi-faceted artist, who works with No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability, based in Stepney, was recently successful in securing funding from the Council's Community Grant Funding Program. The funds will contribute towards Rachel’s artistic development in relation to HIGH, which she co-wrote and will be co-directing with local director Lisa Lanzi. HIGH is also her first major lead performance and the major production for No Strings Attached for 2024.

Rachel says HIGH is the culmination of her childhood  journeys, in which she lived in Port Augusta and would catch the bus to Adelaide weekly so she could attend theatre workshops, an experience deeply etched in her mind and one she describes as ”exhausting”.

”My love of theatre happened when I was young, and developed over the past 25 years.” Rachel says.

While Rachel has achieved many notches in her belt—including making a satirical film about Australian animals titled Brown the Dirt—she also currently works at Flinders University as a Community Researcher, providing her the opportunity to act as a disability advocate.

“It involves the understanding of my personal experience so I can bring it to support people with disabilities.” Rachel says humbly.

But it is clear that HIGH is Rachel’s true calling—her artistic manifesto. “HIGH is something that I will be proud to achieve.”

“I am pleased to share this story because I want people to understand me, to hear about my educational journey, to learn about my challenges and about my learning style.”

And there are still plenty of high roads for Rachel to take.

“I would be happy to work in film in America or London.”

Rachel says with a cheeky grin. HIGH is on at the Space Theatre from 29 to 31 August 2024.

To find out more about the Council's Community Grant Funding Program, visit: Community Funding Program

For more information about HIGH or to purchase tickets, visit: HIGH