Shakespeare at Home for the Autism Community

Photo from HelpersInc.org

Flute Theatre, a company based in London, England, works to adapt traditional Shakespearean performances to be more inclusive towards individuals with autism and their families.  Their performances involve only a small audience, with only one individual with autism along with their family at a time.  This makes the experience extremely flexible and provides a more comfortable environment for the individual and their family.  

A central aspect of these performances is the use of the “heartbeat method,” developed by Kelly Hunter, who runs the theater.  Hunter’s heartbeat method is based off of Shakespeare’s use of iambic pentameter in his writing, which is a rhythm often compared to that of a heartbeat.  The goal is to utilize this steady rhythm to help the individual with autism alleviate any anxiety they may be feeling.  

With the lockdown due to a global pandemic, Flute Theater had to adapt to the changes and find a way to connect with their audience virtually.  They moved their performances of Shakespeare’s “Pericles” online, so that families from anywhere would have the opportunity to participate in their unique interactive performances.  They also began doing their “heartbeat hellos” online, where a member of the company repeats the audience member’s name softly while patting their heart.  

There have been both positive and negative aspects of Flute Theater having to adapt their performances to an online format.  Some aspects of the performance, such as touch, are no longer possible.  At the same time, they have been able to reach people from all over the world because of the accessibility of a virtual format.  People have also seemed more comfortable and willing to interact in their homes.  “Somehow the safety of being at home opened up something language-wise inside,”  Hunter told The Guardian.  

The company has created a series of Pericles games in online videos that anyone can access for free.  Pericles began to run on June 22nd, and will continue through July 18th, and can be booked online here.  Performances are free if you are struggling financially, but donations are encouraged and appreciated.