AS preparations for her first play get under way, Dawn Whitehead is a woman on a mission.
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After two-and-a-half years Mrs Whitehead, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has recently finished writing The Yellow Shed.
Supported by her husband Geoff and mother Marie Ganley, Mrs Whitehead said she wrote the play to “broaden her horizons.”
Both able-body and disabled actors are needed for the performance.
“It’s a chance to come together and understand each other,” Mrs Whitehead said.
She said she discovered a love of poetry through her grandfather, who later taught her the Australian poem The Drover’s Dream, which features in the play. It also includes 37 characters and music composed and performed by her husband.
Mrs Whitehead has acted from a young age and also co-wrote the production Mountain of Life, a story about her life.
“I’m passionate about integration and socialisation,” she said.
“This will bring people together.
“It might help people without a disability understand people that do have a disability.”
Carer and friend Julie Membery said Mrs Whitehead was a “people person” who cared about others.
“She is a very intelligent woman who knows what she is doing,” Ms Membery said.
“She is incredible. She floors me.
“This is a strong woman and she is dedicated to what she does. She is a trooper.”
Mrs Whitehead said singers, actors, stagehands, sewers, artists and anyone interested in stage management were needed. Most importantly, sponsorship is also required.
There will be two performances of The Yellow Shed at Brauer Secondary College on May 25 and 26 next year.
Auditions begin on Saturday from 1pm until 4pm at the Warrnambool Baptist Church.
