HOP ON THE CART Making Theatre the Oily Cart Way Kim Doty
Tim Webb (right) invites participants to explore a variety of sensory items, including bubbles, during the 2019 SETC Teachers Institute.
‘It’s almost like an approach to life. Nowadays we feel like we have no time to stop and stare. Busy, bombardment of the senses really, and I think we should take the time to be still, quiet, and listen.’ - Tim Webb, Founder/Artistic Director, Oily Cart
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by W. R i l ey B r a e m
When you think about creating programs for children with autism,
Disorder (ASD) – known as Autism Spectrum Condition in the
you likely have a set idea of what will be needed: a regimented
U.K. On Saturday, additional convention attendees got a chance to
routine that remains constant, a commitment to providing clear
learn the techniques when Webb presented an abbreviated version
and concise instructions, and an environment that is devoid of too
of his presentation in a masterclass.
much sensory input. The last thing you probably would consider
Webb has been working with and creating theatre for young
is a program of multi-sensory interactive theatre. Sending young
people for almost 40 years. In 1981, Webb and fellow artists Claire
people who have sensory sensitivities into an environment that is
de Loon (head of design) and Max Reinhardt (music director)
meant to be interactive and to tap their senses on multiple levels
founded Oily Cart, a company in the United Kingdom that makes,
seems like it would be a horrible idea. But it might be just what
“all sorts of shows for all sorts of kids.” The work that Webb and
the doctor ordered, as British theatre maker Tim Webb and his Oily
the rest of the Oily Cart crew have done has made them highly
Cart theatre have discovered.
sought-after theatre artists. More and more theatre companies are
Participants in SETC’s 14 annual Teachers Institute on Wednes-
exploring work that is designed for people with ASD or other com-
day at the 2019 SETC Convention had the opportunity to learn in a
plex disabilities. When theatre companies research multi-sensory
daylong seminar about Webb’s unique approach to creating theatre
interactive theatre, one company – Oily Cart – seems to come up
for young people with complex disabilities or Autism Spectrum
most often. As a result, Webb and the rest of his team have worked
th
36 x Southern Theatre x Spring 2019
