A powerful and immersive theatrical experience inspired by one of the greatest survival stories ever told is continuing its global voyage.
This April, Antarctica! performed in New York City as part of the Big Umbrella Festival for neurodiverse audiences at the Lincoln Center, running from April 17 – 19, and 24 – 26.
Following its acclaimed U.S. run, the production now sets its sights on Australia, where it will begin a two-week run at the Sydney Opera House from July 24th.
This international touring success for Galway-based Rosán Sensory Adventures marks a significant moment for inclusive Irish theatre, placing work created with and for young people with additional needs on two of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Rosán Sensory Adventures, founded by sensory artist and educator Phillida Eves, creates immersive, musical, and theatrical experiences tailored for children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs.
Phillida collaborates with multidisciplinary artists on Rosán’s projects, with Antarctica! co-created alongside Galway-based artist Amélie Bal.
Antarctica! is a sensory-led performance that brings audiences on an expedition through the icy world of the South Pole.
Told through music and movement, the work draws inspiration from the legendary journey of Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton and his ship, Endurance, which became trapped in pack ice and ultimately sank during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Created specifically with and for young people with additional needs in Special Schools, the 45-minute production is a fully immersive sensory experience.
It was developed in collaboration with the Senior 5 class at St. Joseph’s Special School, Galway-not created first and adapted later, but built from the outset with access, agency, and authentic participation at its core. It has since been further adapted to reach younger children and larger audiences.
This is more than a retelling of history. Audiences are invited to join the crew as they set off across ice and water, navigating harsh conditions and unknown perils. As the landscape shifts and danger closes in, survival depends not on conquest, but on teamwork, resilience, and camaraderie.
“Antarctica! has been shaped by the young people themselves-their responses, their movement, their sensory world. This is not theatre adapted for them; it is theatre created with them, and because of them,” explained creative sensory artist and educator, Phillida.
With its focus on survival, solidarity, and shared endeavour, Antarctica! invites every audience member to become part of the crew.
As the expedition unfolds, the boundaries between performer and spectator dissolve, creating a shared sensory landscape where communication goes beyond words.
Antarctica! was commissioned by Baboró International Arts Festival for Children through funding from the RTÉ Toy Show Fund. Its national tour was funded by The Arts Council, with international touring supported by Culture Ireland.
