Emma & Gill is a new co-production between Catherine Wheels and Lung Ha Theatre Company that questions what is “normal” and why being different is to be celebrated.
The show features Emma McCaffrey who has performed with Lung Ha Theatre Company since 2013 and was diagnosed with autism when she was 11, and Gill Robertson, the artistic director of Catherine Wheels.
We asked Emma some questions about herself and the show, and here's what she had to say…
My first memory is…
Being held by my Aunt and being given milk after crawling around her house. I was not well but didn't want to stay in my cot. I could not yet walk.
My first memory of school is…
Being overwhelmed to tears on my first day to the point my mum stayed in school in the morning until I was calm.
When growing up I always wanted to be…
Something to do with performance. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a musician, singer and actor.
The happiest I’ve ever been is…
On stage when the audience is enjoying my performance.
The saddest I’ve ever been is…
My Dad dying in 2018. He had cancer. He was 58.
The best way to learn is…
Study in a creative way.
If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d live…
In Japan or in a house.
My desert island music is…
"Senbonzakura" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBaGqphYbE8). If I had other options – Mozart's Queen Aria sung by Diana Damrau, What I did for love from A Chorus Line, One Day More from Les Miserables, or Karl Jenkins' Palladio.
What I love about myself is…
I have a good memory.
The trait I deplore most in people is…
Dismissive and judgement of others that are different to them.
The person I admire most is…
My P6-7 teacher Mrs Clark who went out of her way to make me comfortable in school.
Normal is…
Non-exist.
Shows like Emma & Gill are important because…
They give someone like me a different platform to perform and experience as an actor. And hopefully something for others to learn.
Emma & Gill is touring to mainstream and special schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians, 18 February – 10 March 2019. To book your school please email Anna Derricourt on anna@catherinewheels.co.uk / 0131 653 5255.