The chorus in ViV! are actors from ‘COMPAREO’, an inclusive arts program at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre for young adults with disabilities, which Catherine has led since its inception in 2020. Compareo is Latin for “Be visible, Be present” and ViV! lives and breathes this ethos, with an atypical hero inviting children and young people with disabilities to see themselves represented onstage.

Catherine explains, “What I’m most excited about with this show, as we welcome children into the audience, is that we celebrate what makes us different and then also delight in the ways we are the same. We all like to have fun, have friends, and be accepted – and that is what I hope everyone who comes to the show will leave feeling.”

As part of the play’s preparation, some of the Compareo group have taught Catherine AUSLAN and made costumes and set pieces with community artist Fiona Howle. Making ViV! has been very collaborative and incorporates the strengths and interests of each Compareo performer. The show’s fun choreography was created using movements and emotions from the Compareo chorus, which Catherine has arranged into dance numbers.

Compareo performer Brianna Wheeler said, “you can come and copy what we dance in our show… it will probably make you feel happy.”

The music and sound composition comes from local musician Cindy Fox, who has also worked closely with the Compareo group to create innovative percussion from everyday objects. Reuben Bondareff, another member of Compareo said, “it’s a show that I personally thought I would never (get to) be a part of. For me to express that feeling to you – the audience – will be absolutely amazing.”