Dan Daw Creative Projects

Venue: HAU2

How can you value yourself when society doesn't? “EXXY” (Australian slang for “expensive”) is a bold, vulnerable and tender examination of imposter syndrome and fragile self-esteem.

Dan Daw, who was a highlight at NO LIMITS with “The Dan Daw Show” in 2022, takes the audience into the Australian outback. Back to where his life began — shaped by the working class and by getting by with little. He looks back on his journey as a queer, handicapped artist and what it means to assert yourself in a society that repeatedly marks you as “different.” Together with three performers, Dan finds serenity in the opportunity to finally be one of many — after having always stood out all his life.

Visually provocative, emotionally fearless and full of humor, “EXXY” refuses to provide simple answers. Instead, the work explores the contradictions that Dan Daw embodies: courageous and uncertain, triumphant and indecisive, with the desire for community and at the same time the need to remain unique.

Dan Daw Creative Projects is a company run by people with disabilities that is taking a pioneering role in creating barrier-free international touring productions that blur the lines between theatre, dance and activism. Through long-term partnerships and residency programs, it is committed to systemic change in institutions and in the industry for the benefit of deaf and disabled artists and their audiences.

“Truly remarkable [and] life-affirming.” “The Herald”

“Hilarious, ferocious, devastating — and an incredible night out.” “Sydney Morning Herald”

Performance & Artistic Collaboration: Dan Daw, Tiiu Mortley, Joseph Brown, Sofia Valdiri/Artistic Direction: Dan Daw/Co-Director: Sarah Blanc/Dramaturgy & Co-Writer: Brian Lobel/Stage & Costume Design: Kat Heath/Light Design: Nao Nagai/Composition: Guy Connelly/Sound Design: Lewis Gibson/Associate Sound Design & Sound Engineering: Seb Falcone/Video Design & Creative Caption Design: Sarah Readman/Costume Director: Izzie Byers/Management & Production: Liz Counsell/Production Management: Froud/Technical Inspection: Emily Winsor/Assistant for Accessibility & Production: Georgie Luppi/Accessibility Assistant: Lottie Vallis/Production Fellow: Erin Clark

Loud noises, fog, moments of complete darkness, intense flashing lighting effects, and flashing and moving video images are used in this performance. A loudspeaker symbol (indicative of loud noises) or a light bulb (indicative of bright and/or flashing lights) are displayed before use. There are sudden and rapid movements of objects towards the audience. The performance includes swear words as well as scenes of physical exhaustion, excessive spitting or drooling shown at close range, and moments that can be interpreted in such a way that the performers are in pain. There is early boarding and a quiet space. If you have any questions, please contact our evening staff. Recommended for viewers aged 14 and over.

There are two marked parking spaces in front of the house. Barrier-free sanitary facilities available. There are four relaxed seats available in the front row of HAU2.