SONS & mothers – thoughts from a mother

In the lead up to the highly anticipated SONS & mothers live theatre show, Country Arts SA sat down with Sharna Rowland, mother of Ryan who stars in the theatre performance. We asked Sharna all about the show and the effect it has had on her family and their lives.

Read the full responses below:

–           How has the show and film impacted on your lives?  

As a family we became involved in the filming process and shared a very novel experience. The crew were professional, friendly and encouraging, and helped put us at ease. Being involved we have been able to talk to others about the process, as well as the final product. It was fun and an opportunity that would not have been likely to occur otherwise.

As Ryan’s parents we have wanted to support him and  that necessitated commitment of time and further involvement in both the show and film, mostly making sure he was in the right place at the right time. We have learnt to navigate around parts of Adelaide not seen before trying to find unfamiliar rehearsal venues. We  have met a wonderful group of people and have been drawn a little into the world of theatre. At times worrying, that Ryan  will survive but trusting the support staff and crew to see him and the others through.

I have been enlightened to the experience the other mothers have had in raising their sons, I think we experienced less stress and obvious prejudice, and I admire them for their strength and tenacity. They have enlightened me to the political side of fighting for the rights of peoples with disabilities and the need to advocate more widely on their behalf.

–           Do you think shows like these change society’s perceptions on disability?

Once they are seen and that is the issue, getting people there in the first place. I think that people are going to be reluctant to see a show featuring people with disabilities unless they perceive it to be relevant to them in some way, but this is an amazing piece of theatre. You could not watch it and not be entertained, moved and have your perceptions altered. I watched the first time without having any real idea of what the show had evolved into and was enthralled for the whole beautiful performance. Alirio has amazingly utilised each men’s skills to tell their story in their own way and in their own words. It is an emotional roller coaster ride every time I have seen it.

–           Have you seen a change in your son since doing the show and documentary?

I think that the biggest impact has been for Ryan, we have seen him grow in confidence, independence and social skills after finding something he is genuinely excited about. He has goals he has set himself, that revolve around being an actor in mainstream theatre or TV.  The release of film, some time after the initial filming showed just how much he had grown, and it was a bit of a shock to see him as he was in the early days, withdrawn, uncommunicative.

–           Will you be going on tour with the stage show?

I would love to be a tour groupie and share in the thrill of each show and watch as each audience responds, but I work full time. We are booked to travel to the Hobart show and will definitely go to Renmark. Hoping to get to one or two weekend shows in Victoria. In the meantime we ring Ryan most days and I have finally created a facebook account just so I can follow the tour.

–           What do you hope people will gain when seeing Sons & Mothers, the stage show and the documentary?

A new respect and insight for people with disabilities. Recognition that they have the same feelings, and similar aspirations as any one else and that they can contribute to the world and achieve their goals. It’s just harder for them.

SONS & mothers will be presented live at the Chaffey Theatre 7.30pm Saturday, October 18 and the Northern Festival Centre 7.30pm Wednesday, October 22.

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