EXXY
How do you continue to value yourself when society doesn’t value you?
Dan Daw, a Queer crippled artist on the rise, takes us on an epic and tender journey back to the Aussie outback of the working class where his life began. Daw talks about his imposter syndrome and fluctuating self-worth. With raw honesty and scorching stagecraft, he lays bare the pressure of success and the fragile balancing act of self-belief, asking what it costs to stay at the top of your game when you’ve always been made to feel on the outside.
In «EXXY» (Australian slang for, ‘that’s expensive, mate’), Daw is joined by three extraordinary performers who move like him. Together, they echo, mirror, and multiply his presence, conjuring the tantalising possibility of blending in after a lifetime of standing out.
Visually provocative, emotionally fearless and threaded with humour, «EXXY» refuses to offer easy answers. Instead, it invites us into the contradictions Dan Daw embodies: bold yet insecure, triumphant yet uncertain, longing for community yet determined to be one of a kind.
Dan Daw Creative Projects (DDCP) is a disabled led company who are leading the way in creating accessible international touring work that blurs the lines between theatre, dance and activism, alongside creating systemic change in institutions and the sector for d/Deaf and disabled artists and audiences through long-term partnerships and residencies. DDCP’s work explores what it means for disabled bodies to occupy, and be unapologetic in, non-disabled spaces. Their mission is to use the arts to provoke change and reclaim space. In 2024, They presented «The Dan Daw Show» at auawirleben and in 2025, they co-curated the programme of festival.
On 14.5 22:00, an Artist Talk will take place with Dan Daw and his team, together with River Roux at the Festival Centre. The talk will be broadcast live on Radio Rabe.
Easy Read
Dan is disabled. As a child, he was made to feel on the outside. Now he is a famous artist. Many of his dreams have come true. But sometimes he finds it hard to believe this is real.
Surtitles
The English spoken text is surtitled in German. The surtitles contain additional information about sounds and music.
Here you will find an explanatory video in DSGS for the event.
For people with mobility disabilities
The Dampfzentrale is wheelchair accessible. Stairlifts are available to the foyer, the hall Turbinensaal, and the toilets. An Access Friend will be happy to assist you with the lifts, or you can use the Eurokey. The theatre has an accessible toilet.
Relaxed Performance
This is a Relaxed Performance. Freedom of movement and audience noises are explicitly welcome. You are welcome to take breaks at any time, leave the theatre hall, and return when you’re ready.
Alternative seating (seats, cushions, etc.) is available. Beanbags are available in the front row for you to sit on. You can sit, lie down, or change seats during the performance. Babies and children are welcome.
Please note that Relaxed Performances focus on adapting the theatre environment, not the content of the performance. Check the content notes and sensory trigger warnings for further details.
Content Notes
The production features sexy disabled performers on stage.
This production addresses experiences of being othered and reflects on negative experiences with medical services.
The production includes scenes of physical exhaustion and moments that may be interpreted as depictions of pain.
The production contains references to childhood experiences, descriptions of sexual experiences, swearing, nudity, and tattoos.
The production features audience interaction - the integrated captions prompt the audience to read out loud. No one is singled out and is asked specifically to join in. Participation is entirely optional.
Sensory Triggers
Loud noises
Bright, intense and flashing lighting effects
Flashing / moving images and video
Sudden and rapid movement of objects around the stage, towards audience
Coins / Cuprolaminophobia
Total blackout
Excessive and up close drool or spit
Haze
Focus Headphones
Focus headphones help make the surrounding environment quieter so it is easier to concentrate on the performance.
They reduce background sounds from around you — such as audience movement, coughing, or rustling. The show itself remains audible and you will still be able to hear the dialogue, and music.
You can wear the headphones during the whole performance or only when you need them. You can also adjust the volume throughout the show to suit your needs.
A limited number (10) is available at the Pre-Show Access Table before the performance.
Pre-Show Access
The Dan Daw Creative Projects (DDCP) team has developed Pre-Show Access as an added benefit for any audience members who come to EXXY who may need additional information to be comfortable in the space and enjoy the performance. This includes but is not limited to audience members who are visually impaired, neurodivergent, d/Deaf or audiences who identify as physically disabled.
Pre-Show Access is an informal, drop-in session before every performance. It begins one hour before the start of every show. There is no need to book - just turn up at the Dampfzentrale between 19:00 and 19:45 (please note some elements of pre-show access are only available for the first 30 minutes as detailed below).
The session is run by the DDCP team and includes:
Explanations of trigger content in as much or little detail as you need
Demonstration of the lighting design of the show at it’s brightest*
Demonstration of the sound design of the show at its loudest*
The option to choose and reserve a seat.
Access to the stage and set*
Try out our Focus Headphones to see if it might help you during the show
Priority entry to the theatre when the doors open
Information on the set, props and costume
Show credits
*only available for the first 30 minutes of pre-show access
The information is also available in written and digital forms for anyone who prefers not to have a conversation with DDCP staff. You can find the PDF here.
Social Story
Social stories are used as a tool to prepare people for a public event, such as a theatre performance. Our social stories provide a detailed description of what to expect at the venue and the customs that apply there. You can find the (German) PDF of the «EXXY»social story here.
Special Check-In
We offer a special check-in option. If for any reason you'd like to avoid the crowded foyer, require a specific seat, assistance due to a mobility impairment, or would like to be picked up at the bus stop, please contact us in advance. A member of our team will accompany you according to your needs.
Register: checkin@auawirleben.ch
Access Friend
At the Dampfzentrale, Access Friends welcome audiences and are available before, during, and after performances. These people can be identified by their purple vests. Questions about accessibility can be directed to the Access Friends.
- Artistic director DDCP, co-director and performer
- Dan Daw
- Executive director DDCP and executive producer for EXXY
- Liz Counsell
- Co-director
- Sarah Blanc
- Performers and collaborators
- Tiiu Mortley, Sofia Valdiri and Joe Brown
- Lighting designer
- Nao Nagai
- Set and costume designer
- Kat Heath
- Costume supervisor
- Izzie Byers
- Video and creative caption design
- Sarah Readman
- Composer
- Guy Connelly
- Sound design
- Lewis Gibson
- Dramaturg and co-writer
- Brian Lobel
- Production manager
- Froud
- Technical stage manager
- Emily Winsor
- Sound operator
- Will Lewis
- Access support worker
- Lottie Vallis
- Creative producer fellowship supported by National Arts Centre Canada
- Erin Clark
- Access and producing assistant
- Georgie Luppi
Co-commissioned by Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Battersea Arts Centre, Transform, Take Me Somewhere, and Tramway for the New Dimensions commission. Additionally co-commissioned by Kampnagel, Fabric, Edinburgh International Festival, Sadlers Wells, SICK! Festival and Les Halles. Supported by Arts Council England and Cockayne 10th Anniversary Grants for the Arts. An Unlimited International Strategic Commission made possible thanks to funding from the British Council.
Co-produced by Battersea Arts Centre.
Dan Daw Creative Projects