May 27, 2025 - 1:00pm
The University of Oregon’s Perfect Circle Theater is debuting its newest production, “Disabling Reality,” June 7 and 8. It’s a bold, imaginative performance created by and for a truly inclusive community.
The production is part of a unique course, English 410: Perfect Circle Theater, created by English professor and founder of the disability studies minor, Dr Elizabeth “Betsy” Wheeler. Through the class, UO students, members of the local theater community and adults with disabilities from Eugene and Springfield collaborate to develop a story for the stage. Guided by Wheeler, the group works together to write, stage and perform an original show filled with humor and emotion.
"The show starts off with real experiences, and we move into satire and parody, which is more therapeutic, and then it becomes fantasy,” said Lindsey Gonzalez, a senior majoring in psychology and communication disorder sciences, and minoring in disability studies. “It's a good way of showing different ways we can cope with disability and stressors in our life. It provides a good outlet. And it's really funny.”
According to a few of the creative minds behind the production — junior Sonia Boeger, junior Luna Fera, and seniors Kendall Laycock and Gonzalez — the goal of Perfect Circle Theater is to create an inclusive community where people with disabilities and their allies can work together as peers.
“Anybody can get anything out of a piece of art, even if they're not directly in that community. They can learn from it, they can grow as a person and ultimately make connections with people that are within our group,” explained Fera, who is majoring in psychology and minoring in disability studies.
—Luna Fera, Junior
Wheeler designed this creative opportunity to invite students and community members to look at their shared reality of difficulties, while also bringing in elements like satire and fantasy to illuminate these ideas in a way that connects with their audience.
“I was excited about the hands-on aspect of working alongside, as peers, [with] people with disabilities,” said Laycock, who is majoring in communication sciences and disorders, and minoring in disability studies and French. “I think that's a really important thing that people should do. And just doing something creative alongside of that, I thought that was really cool.”
Alongside its vibrant script, the show features original music, energetic dance numbers, and collaborative contributions ranging from costume and set design to stage management and accessibility services. Accessibility features include ASL interpreters, open captioning, audio description, free stim toys, adaptive acting methods and screen-reader-friendly publicity.
“It's packed with music. One of the themes is how singing and dancing and our favorite songs help us cope and inspire us with the difficulties of living with disabilities in an ableist world,” said Boeger, who is majoring in journalism with a minor in disability studies. “The combination of popular songs with people's personal stories really drives the production.”
The following is a complete list of the actors, directors, crew, dancers, singers, writers, composers, media producers, and other important contributors to the production: Hajar Albattah, Avery Allensis, Marlie Annat, Joe Babkes, Tony Baez, Jada Bergren, Saira Blevins, Sonia Boeger, Caitlin Brown, Stanley Coleman, Georgia Dean, Ryan DeWitt-Todd, Luna Fera, Lindsay Gonzalez, Sam Hamilton, Sophia Henderson, Nick Izzo, Mathew Keeney, Emma Kersgaard, Kendall Laycock, Eilish Leahy, Addie Leonard, Larry Leverone, Luna Long, Rayven Mack, Graham Mauro, Angel Morris, Kimmy Olivar, Alex Peña, Rachel Peri, Nick Piearcy, Lexi Reed, Alex Safron, Jordan Shin, Alex Smith, Calyssa Southern, Charlise Stewart, Sarah Stover, Alana Unfried, Cayla van Sickle, Betsy Wheeler, and Ryan Williams.
Perfect Circle Theater continues to grow as an inspiring example of community-centered innovation, welcoming everyone to take part, both on and off the stage. The 2025 production of “Disabling Reality” is on stage June 7 at 7:30 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. in the Global Scholars Hall Great Room. There is no cost to attend but arrive early as seats are limited. UO lot and street parking are free during showtimes.
—By Kendall Baldwin, College of Arts and Sciences