Donna Williams' Blog » theatre

Barry Humphries as The Goblin King in a world of Hobbits

donna — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:53:12 +0000

I’ve always had a strong reaction to images of Barry Humphries.

Edna Everage behaving like someone’s doting grandmother always felt more like the wolf from Red Riding Hood dressed in grandma’s clothes.

Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage 1970s

Les Patterson seemed synonymous with the drunks at the many parties held by my criminal family in the 1970s.

Barry Humphries as early Les Patterson

As an adult when I saw pictures of Barry Humphries I felt dread. I couldn’t help but see a leering, macabre clown. So I’m not at all surprised to find he’s now been cast in Peter Jackson’s film, The Hobbit as The Goblin King.

Goblins, described in Wikipedia, are legendary evil or mischievous creature, described as a grotesquely evil.

Barry Humphries as Les Patterson in the 1970s

I had nightmares of such a grotesque clown, the hungry eyes, the leering smirk like smile broadening into teeth. I was one of those kids who was wary of clowns, all I saw were dressed up men.

Perhaps my own experiences colored that. My father was friends with entrepreneur and TV host Kevin Dennis since the 60s and entertainer Smacka Fitzgibbon in the early 70s, both of them mutual friends of Barry Humphries, who my older brother told me came to the parties too.

barry humphries 1970s

I’m sure, rhe parties in the early 70s would fit in the film, The Hobbit. Our parties were places of wild decadence and extravagance, places of no boundaries, the stuff of film really. Our parties had the very lack of boundaries so openly celebrated, enjoyed and written about in the diaries of self confessed pedophile, Donald Friend, a close friend of Barry Humphries whose lifestyle Humphries refers to as ‘benevolent pedophilia’.

I’m sure you could find many a Goblin King at our parties back then. As for Hobbits, as an almost eight year old around the adults swanning it at our parties, I felt like a hobbit, seeking out places to feel safe. But those parties were never safe for children.

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.donnawilliams.net

This item originally posted here:

Barry Humphries as The Goblin King in a world of Hobbits

Barry Humphries views on ‘benevolent pedophilia’

donna — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 09:19:56 +0000

Barry Humphries on Pedophilia

From 1969-1979 a famous Australian artist, Donald Friend, had a house in Bali where he had up to 20 Balinese ‘houseboys’ who stayed at his home.

Donald Friend

Donald Friend kept diaries detailing his pedophilia there with boys aged 9-12 years old. He finally bequeathed these diaries to the National Library on the condition they publish them. .

Australian film maker, Kerry Negara, who produced a film on the subject, ‘A Loving Friend‘. According to Negara, who interviewed the boys, now adults, the Australian art establishment kept silent on the issue, essentially sanctioning it.

Actor, comedian, writer, Barry Humphries AO CBE (aka Edna Everage/Les Patterson)

Barry Humphries as Edna Everage in the early 1970s

wrote the introduction to Donald Friend’s diaries, referring to his way of life as ‘benevolent pedophilia’.

Donald Friend gave the boys money to attend school, gave them work, and lodging but clearly not without ‘cost’.

Donald Friend

If a white child of 9-12 was school fees and pocket money in exchange for sex, I doubt we’d consider the pedophile doing this ‘benevolent’.

Barry Humphries is now set to play The Goblin King in the upcoming film, The Hobbit.

Barry Humphries in the early 1970s

According to Wikipedia:

A goblin is a legendary evil or mischievous illiterate creature, described as a grotesquely evil or evil-like phantom.

I wonder if Barry Humphries’ Goblin King will be somehow ‘benevolent’ in a world of small Hobbits.

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.donnawilliams.net

I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.

This item originally posted here:

Barry Humphries views on ‘benevolent pedophilia’

Autism information in Ballarat

donna — Thu, 13 May 2010 10:54:29 +0000

On May 21st, for one night only Donna Williams and The Aspinauts will perform the rock musical Footsteps of a Nobody 7-8pm, followed by an interactive question-answer forum with the audience, Walking In Autistic Shoes, from 8-8.30pm at the Wendouree Centre For Performing Arts. Proudly sponsored by Ballarat Autism Network as part of World Autism Awareness Month.

THE SHOW

Footsteps of a Nobody is a powerful one woman rock-musical written, directed and performed by Donna Williams, author of the international bestseller, Nobody Nowhere; Autobiography of an Autistic Girl and musically accompanied by The Aspinauts. Through characterisations, gestural signing, evocative spoken word and song it traces Donna’s pivotal experiences from a meaning deaf, meaning blind feral child to homelessness and on to her ultimate fight to claim a place of equality among others.

REVIEWS OF DONNA WILLIAMS’ WRITING:

She allows us to understand our own perceptions as never before. NEW YORK TIMES

Powerful and unique. DAILY TELEGRAPH

Deserves every superlative a reviewer can muster. THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Powerful enough to make one reassess what it means to be human. MODE

By turns fascinating and harrowing. PEOPLE MAGAZINE

THE Q-A FORUM

Walking in Autistic Shoes
An interactive Question-Answer forum with Donna Williams

One of the most well known authors diagnosed with autism in the world, Donna Williams was born in Melbourne in 1963. Thought deaf and assessed as psychotic at the age of two, Donna Williams acquired functional speech in late childhood and was diagnosed with autism in her 20’s.

Her first book “Nobody Nowhere” was the first of two international best sellers (set to become a major Hollywood film) and paved the way for Donna to become the author of ten books in the field of autism, an international public speaker and autism consultant, and artist and musician.

Donna’s show, Footsteps of a Nobody takes us on that journey and the interactive Q-A forum (Walking In Autistic Shoes) that follows the show allows the audience to directly ask their autism related questions and is guaranteed to provide a fascinating insight into the world of Autism as someone who has actually been there.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY about Donna’s presentations:

“The “feel good” feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”

“Never have I sat through a seminar that held me captivated the entire time. Donna is an expert on the subject and if you think you know a lot about Autism then think again”.

“Donna Williams’ talks are spell-blindingly powerful. I regard her as the preeminent speaker on autism, from a powerful inside-out perspective”.

“As remarkable a spokeswoman, activist, artist, author, and musician Donna is, her humanity is what really sets her apart; her humor, passion, wit and insight into the world around her; her ability to see beauty in everyday things, her playfulness, her way of being in the world. Donna not only changed the way I see people with autism; she changed the way I see everyone”.

“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a ‘never to be missed’ speaker”.

“Donna’s passion for her autism topics dominate the whole room leaving you wanting more”.

“In the years I have read many books on Autism but the most extraordinary and significant experience in my personal and professional life was my meeting with Donna Williams”.

WHEN: Friday May 21st, 2010
(Immediately following the show, Footsteps of a Nobody 7-8pm)

TIME: 7-8.30pm (show 7-8pm. Q-A forum 8-8.30pm)

WHERE: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Howitt St, Wendouree, Ballarat, 3350

COST (includes show + Q-A forum): Full Price $20, under 18s $5.00

BOOKINGS: Phone Bookings & payment direct to Booking Office -03 5338 0980
Hours- Tues-Fri -9.00am -1.00pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm

ENQUIRIES: contact Kris kks@netconnect.com.au

Proudly sponsored by: Ballarat Autism Network

more info visit: http://www.donnawillliams.net

This item originally posted here:

Autism information in Ballarat

Donna Williams’ upcoming events for 2010

donna — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:25:01 +0000

Here’s my upcoming events so far….

Ringwood, Victoria – Monday 12th April 2010

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH EVENT

Donna Williams presents Jam Jar; the classic 1995 autism UK TV documentary. It follows Donna in her daily life with her first husband, a man on the autistic spectrum. Donna becomes our tour guide showing us the person beyond the labels on the ‘jam jar’. Poetic and artistic, the film explores Donna’s meaning deafness and meaning blindness in the context of autism and the social, emotional and communication bridges she uses to navigate with the world showing us the person beyond the labels on the ‘jam jar’. Jam Jar went on to be nominated for the UK’s Mental Health Media Award, and was captured in the book, Everyday Heaven.

The film will be followed by a Q-A session with the audience.

WHERE: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne Mall, Eastland Shopping Centre (Melways Ref 49H8)

COST: Free

TIME: 7pm-8.30pm

ENQUIRIES: bookings(at)donnawilliams.net

Eltham, Victoria – Wednesday 14th April 2010

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH EVENT

Donna will give selected readings from Nobody Nowhere and Somebody Somewhere and selected poetry together with a Q-A session with the audience and perform as a duo two pieces from her rock musical, Footsteps of a Nobody, accompanied by Aspinaut, Anthony Julian.

WHERE: Eltham Library, Panther Place, Eltham 3095

COST: Free

TIME: 7.00pm – 8.30pm

ENQUIRIES: bookings(at)donnawilliams.net

Greensborough, Victoria – Thursday 15th April 2010

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH EVENT

The film will be followed by a Q-A session with the audience.

WHERE: Kalparrin Early Intervention Centre, 1 Kalparrin Ave, Greensborough, 3088

COST: Gold coin donation

TIME: 1-3pm

ENQUIRIES: bookings(at)donnawilliams.net

Note: sorry no childcare provided except to those in the Kalparrin community

Nth Fitzroy, Victoria – Saturday 24th April 2010

Footsteps of a Nobody is a powerful one woman rock-musical written, directed and performed by Donna Williams, author of the international bestseller, Nobody Nowhere; Autobiography of an Autistic Girl and musically accompanied by Jean-Paul D’Aubbonnett. Through characterisations, gestural signing, evocative spoken word and song it traces Donna’s pivotal experiences from a meaning deaf, meaning blind feral child to homelessness and on to her ultimate fight to claim a place of equality among others.

Disabled access is available. Show is suitable for teens and adults. Question time available after the show.

REVIEWS OF DONNA WILLIAMS’ WRITING:

She allows us to understand our own perceptions as never before.
NEW YORK TIMES

Powerful and unique.
DAILY TELEGRAPH

Deserves every superlative a reviewer can muster.
THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Powerful enough to make one reassess what it means to be human.
MODE

By turns fascinating and harrowing…
PEOPLE MAGAZINE

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THE FOOTSTEPS SHOW:

“The show was outstanding; you are very talented. The Q & A at the end was a great surprise. Thank you for a great night, fantastic performance, amazing music and wonderful conversation provoked afterwards!”

- Kelly O’Brien

“I found your performance last night extremely moving. You have a beautiful voice and your poetry and song lyrics are amazing! Thank you once again for your inspirational show Donna”.

- Jill Young

WHERE: J Studios, 100 Barkly, St Nth Fitzroy

(public transport: St Georges Rd Tram or Rushall train Stn)

COST: $15 Full price, $10 Concession.

As part of International Autism Month, 10% of all proceeds will benefit DEAL Communication Centre, which brings augmented communication to speechless adults and children
TIME: 8-9pm

EMAIL: bookings(at)donnawilliams.net

TICKETS available at the door but you can email Donna to reserve tickets or book online below.

Nth Fitzroy, Victoria – Saturday 24th April 2010

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH EVENT

KIDS ROCK MUSICAL – BALOOMBAWOP

Once upon tough time, there were Grumpy Gallumphies who didn’t like strangeness it made them quite grumpy. Then a magical train arrived from a dream and those who could dare, they had dared to get in. It was off to Baloomba-wop where they had purple rain, and a shop that even sold new replacement brains!

They would meet Charlie Warmton whose best friend was a blanket, and the Brookenstein Fox who lives up on a shelf, and Bluster-McFluster with his technical gadgets and the Gimmety-Gimme with everything for herself. They’d meet Booger-Looger who picks his nose to perfection and the Whirly-twirl-girl who lacks any direction. And not to mention the Gadoodleborger who runs a magical shop which just happens to be where the train is to stop.

But deep in Baloomba-wop, a Grumpy Gallumphy, the notorious Dame Grumpty- Doobee-the-Fourth, she doesn’t like strangeness at all so she wants to make everyone so very ’normal’ of course. She is looking to change Baloomba-wop for forever. She’s determined to make all these weirdoes quite plain. Will she be stopped before everything’s ’normal’, I wonder. Or succeed making all be exactly the same?

Promoting diversity and challenging fear of difference, Baloomba-wop is an interactive, off the wall, musical adventure for kids and kids at heart. Written, produced and performed by Donna Williams it is accompanied by Jean-Paul D’Aubbonnett. Baloomba-wop runs for an hour and should appeal to fans of Dr Seuss, Lewis Carroll, Roald Dahl. Audience members are invited to actively participate throughout.

WHERE: J Studios, 100 Barkly, St Nth Fitzroy

(public transport: St Georges Rd Tram or Rushall train Stn)

COST: Children $5 Adults $7.50

(10% of proceeds will go to Autism Victoria)
TIME: 5-6pm

EMAIL: bookings(at)donnawilliams.net

TICKETS available at the door but you can email Donna to reserve tickets or book online below.

Box Hill, Victoria – Saturday 1st May 2010

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH EVENT

The film will be followed by a Q-A session with the audience.

WHERE: Box Hill Library, 1040 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill, 3128

COST: Free

TIME: 2-3pm

ENQUIRIES: bookings(at)donnawilliams.net

Wantirna South, Victoria, Saturday 8th May, 2010

Knox City Council presents AUTISM FAMILIES TOGETHER weekend

featuring Donna and The Aspinauts performing as part of the opening this great event.

WHERE: Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, Vic, 3152

TIME: 9.30am

ENQUIRIES: Jacquie Moffat Ph: 9758 7747

Aspendale Gardens, Victoria, Tuesday 11th May

Walking in Autistic Shoes: An autism presentation and question-answer forum with renowned author, lecturer and autism consultant, Donna Williams.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:

“The “feel good” feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”

“Donna Williams’ talks are spell-blindingly powerful. I regard her as the preeminent speaker on autism, from a powerful inside-out perspective”.

“Donna not only changed the way I see people with autism; she changed the way I see everyone”.

“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a ‘never to be missed’ speaker”.

WHERE: Aspendale Gardens Community Services, 103 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens Vic, 3195

COST: $5

TIME: 7.30-9pm

Bookings are essential
Phone Gina Ullrich on 9587 5955

Ballarat, Friday 21st May, 2010

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH EVENT

Disabled access is available. Show is suitable for teens and adults. Question time available after the show.

REVIEWS OF DONNA WILLIAMS’ WRITING:

She allows us to understand our own perceptions as never before.
NEW YORK TIMES

Powerful and unique.
DAILY TELEGRAPH

Deserves every superlative a reviewer can muster.
THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Powerful enough to make one reassess what it means to be human.
MODE

By turns fascinating and harrowing…
PEOPLE MAGAZINE

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THE FOOTSTEPS SHOW:

- Kelly O’Brien

“I found your performance last night extremely moving. You have a beautiful voice and your poetry and song lyrics are amazing! Thank you once again for your inspirational show Donna”.

- Jill Young
WHERE: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Howitt St, Wendouree, Ballarat.

COST: Full Price $20, under 18s $5.00

TIME: 7-8pm

BOOKINGS: Phone Bookings & payment direct to Booking Office -03 5338 0980
Hours- Tues-Fri -9.00am -1.00pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm

ENQUIRIES: contact Kris on kks(at)netconnect.com.au

Disabled access available
Suitable for teens and older children
Question time available after the show

Proudly sponsored by: Ballarat Autism Network

Singapore, Thursday, 3rd June

Co-Occurring conditions – Addressing ‘Fleas’: Mood, Anxiety and compulsive disorder on the Autism Spectrum.

An screening of an autism presentation by Donna Williams followed by live question-answer forum via video link up.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:

“The “feel good” feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”

“Donna Williams’ talks are spell-blindingly powerful. I regard her as the preeminent speaker on autism, from a powerful inside-out perspective”.

“Donna not only changed the way I see people with autism; she changed the way I see everyone”.

“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a ‘never to be missed’ speaker”.

WHERE: Autism Resource Centre, 5 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 569739

TIME: 2.30pm to 3.30pm

ENQUIRIES:

Goh Boon Keng (Ms)
Training Director, Autism Resource Centre (S)
5 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 569739

Tel: (65) 6323-3258
Fax: (65) 6323-1974

www.autism.org.sg

Etham, Victoria, Saturday, 31st July

New Voices Writer’s Festival.

Donna Williams, together with award winning Aussie poet, Sandy Jeffs, will give selected readings from their most recent literary works and chair this exciting opportunity to hear from newly published Australian authors.

WHERE: St Margaret’s Church on Pitt Street, Eltham, 3095

TIME: TBA

ENQUIRIES: Meera Govin, Eltham Bookshop.

Ballarat, Wednesday, 8th September 2010

Brainfood 2010 Conference

“Flow of Knowledge” Stimulating individuals to actively contribute knowledge sharing

The film will be followed by a Q-A session with the audience.

WHERE: TBA

TIME: 6.15-7.15pm

ENQUIRIES: Kay Vrieze kayvrieze(at)aanet.com.au

Wellington, New Zealand – Sept 10th to 12th 2010

Topic: 2010 Autism New Zealand conference
Details: TBA

Donna Williams will be a key note speaker at the 2010 Autism New Zealand conference.

This item originally posted here:

Donna Williams’ upcoming events for 2010

The Aspinauts head to Ballarat’s Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts

donna — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:35:17 +0000

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH EVENT

REVIEWS OF DONNA WILLIAMS’ WRITING:

She allows us to understand our own perceptions as never before. NEW YORK TIMES

Powerful and unique. DAILY TELEGRAPH

Deserves every superlative a reviewer can muster. THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Powerful enough to make one reassess what it means to be human. MODE

By turns fascinating and harrowing. PEOPLE MAGAZINE

THE Q-A FORUM

Walking in Autistic Shoes
An interactive Question-Answer forum with Donna Williams

WHAT PEOPLE SAY about Donna’s presentations:

“The “feel good” feeling you get after the event is amazing. My manager found it the best lecture she had attended in her whole career!”

“Never have I sat through a seminar that held me captivated the entire time. Donna is an expert on the subject and if you think you know a lot about Autism then think again”.

“Donna Williams’ talks are spell-blindingly powerful. I regard her as the preeminent speaker on autism, from a powerful inside-out perspective”.

“As remarkable a spokeswoman, activist, artist, author, and musician Donna is, her humanity is what really sets her apart; her humor, passion, wit and insight into the world around her; her ability to see beauty in everyday things, her playfulness, her way of being in the world. Donna not only changed the way I see people with autism; she changed the way I see everyone”.

“Donna shares her knowledge with her audience in a way which makes it one to one, when in a room of hundreds. I would recommend her as a ‘never to be missed’ speaker”.

“Donna’s passion for her autism topics dominate the whole room leaving you wanting more”.

“In the years I have read many books on Autism but the most extraordinary and significant experience in my personal and professional life was my meeting with Donna Williams”.

WHEN: Friday May 21st, 2010
(Immediately following the show, Footsteps of a Nobody 7-8pm)

TIME: 7-8.30pm (show 7-8pm. Q-A forum 8-8.30pm)

WHERE: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Howitt St, Wendouree, Ballarat, 3350

COST (includes show + Q-A forum): Full Price $20, under 18s $5.00

BOOKINGS: Phone Bookings & payment direct to Booking Office -03 5338 0980
Hours- Tues-Fri -9.00am -1.00pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm

ENQUIRIES: contact Kris kks@netconnect.com.au

Proudly sponsored by: Ballarat Autism Network

Disabled access is available.

Show and Q-A forum are suitable for teens and adults.

more info:

http://www.donnawilliams.net

This item originally posted here:

The Aspinauts head to Ballarat’s Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts

Melbourne House Concerts – Donna and The Aspinauts

donna — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 06:06:43 +0000

The Aspinauts are known for their mixture of theatre, spoken word and catchy, evocative songs with meaning. Having played small independent theatres, we like to connect with the audience, create an intimate atmosphere. So the concept of house concerts really appealed. So what is a house concert?

To quote from http://houseconcertsaustralia.ning.com/

House Concerts are one of the most important trends in independent music today – and they’re popping up all over the world!

A house concert is a chance to experience music in a warm and intimate environment. It’s when someone opens up their home and invites you into their living room to share in a performance by one of their favorite musicians. There’s just something about house concerts. For musicians, the intimacy allows for a deeper connection to the audience, which often leads to strong merchandise sales and lifelong fans and for hosts, it’s a chance to meet the performers and get them to sign their CD. A house concert is also a great social evening of friends and neighbors.

Who pays the artist?

Many house concerts have a door person to collect fees, some hosts are uncomfortable charging their friends, especially for a first concert, until they understand the process. If this is the case, then simply place a jar by the entrance with a visible sign that says:

How long do artists play?

Artists normally play a 45 minute listening set (house concerts are not parties; people really sit and listen – up close and personal) and then take a 15-20 minute break for socializing, selling CDs and refreshments. Then, one more 45 minute set and that’s a wrap.

What might you expect from Donna and The Aspinauts?

Here’s some reviews:

“I thoroughly recommend an audience with a Donna and the Aspinauts event if you are ever given the chance. Each of your five senses will be buzzing before the end of the first song, and by the end of the show, you’ll be definitely Aspi-fied.” – Heidi Everett

“The Aspinauts stage presence is one no other band can contend with. I was taken on a wacky rollercoaster ride that spat me out at the end feeling empowered and inspired. This band explores world issues, personal conquests and how difficult it is circumnavigating the social world. A must see band for all!” - Adele Kristens

“The lady is a true entertainer. She told amusing tales of life on the edge of society and made me envious I didn’t join her there. Tongue-in-cheek? It cannot be genre-defined.” - Jo Robinson

How much would it cost?

RATES

4 piece band (drums, lead, bass, vocals)
(or $15 per person if 30 people).

3 piece band (drums, keys, vocals)
(or $10 per person if 30 people).

Duo (keys, vocals)
(or $8.50 per person if 30 people).

email us: bookings@donnawilliams.net

This item originally posted here:

Melbourne House Concerts – Donna and The Aspinauts

Good Burger

donna — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:54:21 +0000

In childhood I was called Dolly Burger by my mother’s side, Miss Polly by my father. I’d rather have been Miss Polly even if I was sick, sick, sick too often than be anyone’s doll. I didn’t like doll’s, those staring, plastic almost demonic representations of a one-size-fits all normality or perfection. I never identified with being Doll-y or anyone’s doll. When my mother told me I was hers, her doll, I felt the foundations of my feminist rejection of conformist expectations of ‘what a girl should be’. I liked the ballet dress with its fluttering leafy skirt, its sheeny pink sating and mother of pearl beading catching rainbows in the lights. But the doll thing…

I developed a male persona when I was 2. Willie was strong, staunch, egalitarian, determined and a survivor. The abuser in my room, a friend of the family who took advantage of the 60s freedom in my crazy household, probably saw me as that doll. And if not for becoming this male persona I don’t think I could have handled what happens to pretty dancing dolls in that household.

In the book, Nobody Nowhere, I gave all that an exorcism. But in the song, How To Be a Boy, I play out that struggle between being girl, being boy. I’m not sorry that Dolly Burger was a disappointment to the ideal of how to be a girl, a good girl, a real girl. And I’m not sorry I’m a Broken Biscuit.

Donna Williams, Dip Ed, BA Hons.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.

http://www.myspace.com/nobodynowherethefilm
http://www.donnawilliams.net
http://www.aspinauts.com

This item originally posted here:

Good Burger

A disability friendly band; Donna and The Aspinauts

donna — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:25:49 +0000

We’ve always considered Donna and The Aspinauts to be diversity friendly but what does it mean to be a disability friendly band? Is it about having people with disabilities in the band? Is it about making it easy for those with disabilities to attend your gigs and shows? Is it about having a natural sense of equality with and respect for those with disabilities? Is it about having a strong presence in the wider disability community?

From the beginning it was a real buzz to find our events attracted not just those in the autism community but also those with other disabilities. I made a point of choosing venues for our shows which had disabled access but more than this, people knew they could be themselves at our events, that we’d always see the person, not the label (that’s also a lyric in the song Mirror that we perform in Footsteps of a Nobody).

People knew I supported and advocated for a not just a more disability friendly society, but a more diversity friendly society. Not hard to tell with songs like Beautiful Behavioural Mutations , the anthem of Broken Biscuit the plea for equality in Simply Be or the bitey satire of All Be Happy.

From the beginning our events felt rather ‘John Lennon’ and we were proud of that atmosphere. Luckily, it hasn’t changed. At the end of the shows, you can actually talk to us, meet us, ask us questions. There’s no us and them, no walls. I’d like to keep it that way.

Donna Williams, Dip Ed, BA Hons.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.

http://www.myspace.com/nobodynowherethefilm
http://www.donnawilliams.net
http://www.aspinauts.com

This item originally posted here:

A disability friendly band; Donna and The Aspinauts

Taking Autism to the Theatre

donna — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:12:48 +0000

The rock musical, Footsteps of a Nobody, next goes to Doncaster Playhouse in Doncaster on Saturday 20th Jan. We’re also planning on a show in April to support international Autism Month. For information about the show visit www.aspinauts.com .

Donna Williams, Dip Ed, BA Hons.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.

http://www.myspace.com/nobodynowherethefilm
http://www.donnawilliams.net
http://www.aspinauts.com

This item originally posted here:

Taking Autism to the Theatre

Donna Williams’ rock musical “Footsteps of a Nobody” on You Tube

donna — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:18:06 +0000

Musically supported by The Aspinauts Donna Williams performs How To Be A Boy and Mirror from the rock musical Footsteps of a Nobody. Filmed by Lindsay at The Guild Theatre in Oct 09, the show was well received and travels next to the USA in Jan 2010 before returning to Australia for a show in Geelong.

Info on upcoming shows can be found at http://www.aspinauts.com

Donna Williams.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.

http://www.myspace.com/nobodynowherethefilm
http://www.donnawilliams.net
http://www.aspinauts.com

This item originally posted here:

Donna Williams’ rock musical “Footsteps of a Nobody” on You Tube