Touretteshero Does Beckett
About This Episode
Laura interviews British comedian and activist Jess Thom about her performance of Samuel Beckett’s play “Not I.” Thom’s work reveals how neurodiversity makes theater, society—everything!—richer.
From Public Theater listing:
“Jess Thom has Tourettes, a condition that means she makes movements and noises she can’t control, called tics. Following the award-winning “Backstage in Biscuit Land,” she takes on Samuel Beckett’s short play in a theatrical experience that explores neurodiversity and asks, who is allowed to perform what and who gets the final say? All performances are accompanied by an ASL interpreter/performer and are Relaxed. This means that if you tic, shout, or move about, you’re more than welcome. And the great thing is, everyone can benefit from a Relaxed performance.”
“My life was changed by a single sentence. I connected with a different approach to my body, and rather than see myself as a problem, I understood that neurodiversity was my power.”
Guests:
- Jess Thom, British performer, comedian and activist. Thom created Touretteshero to increase awareness of and expand perceptions of what is possible with Tourette’s Syndrome.
