BENCHED by Jamila Main

An intimate performance that ruminates on athleticism within a disabled body.

“I don’t think of myself as a sporty person. I didn’t think I’d be disabled by my early twenties.” - Jamila Main

Eight humans are invited to enter the space one by one. They choose a ball, shoe, or frisbee and take a seat. A story is told.

Actor and award-winning playwright Jamila Main invites you to join them for an intimate moment of rumination on athleticism within a body whose access needs subvert the assumed binary of disability. This is immersive theatre that is joyful, conversational, and candid.

Watch these ten minute moments unfold as the humans enter and exit the world of Benched.

Benched continues Jamila’s work with autobiographical storytelling and sees Jamila wielding their privilege as a palatable disabled person to put frank, nuanced portrayals of disabled bodies into public view. Jamila’s work asks ablebodied spectators to reconsider their assumptions of sick and disabled people, and to confront their own temporarily abled body. Jamila joyfully presents theatre for disabled and chronically ill people, an opportunity to commiserate and celebrate disability together.

Jamila’s practice is informed by their dual careers as a playwright and actor, creating live performance works that explore autonomy, trust, joy, and operate within queer, disabled, and intersectional feminist dramaturgies.

"Jamila Main is a delightfully fresh powerhouse of talent"

- The Advertiser

"Jamila's writing goes straight to the heart of now"

- Kate Mulvany