GLASS CHILD to Make Edinburgh Fringe Debut with The Farm
The documentary dance-theatre work stars siblings Kayah and Maitreyah Guenther in a story of family and ability.
Powerful, raw and deeply emotional, Glass Child is a striking new documentary dance-theatre production by The Farm that transcends traditional theatre. At its heart lies the extraordinary bond between siblings Kayah, a young man with Down Syndrome, and his younger sister Maitreyah. Through a compelling fusion of dance, theatre and storytelling, Glass Child explores their connection and the profound ways their lives have been shaped by the perceptions of others.
The term 'Glass Child' refers to the sibling of someone with special needs - often someone who can feel 'looked through'. Throughout their lives Maitreyah has witnessed her brother being excluded, ridiculed or ignored, often without understanding why. Glass Child places their relationship under a microscope, revealing a love that is both resilient and transformative. Using dance as their shared language, the siblings communicate in a way that transcends words.
The story of Glass Child is rooted in the lived experience of the Guenther family. Kayah and Maitreyah's parents, Rob and Leanne, first met while working as support workers for young people with Down Syndrome and, when their son was born with Down Syndrome, they were unwavering in their commitment to raising him at home. Their belief in Kayah's potential has been realised many times over; he has gone on to build a remarkable dance career, taking his family across the globe and redefining perceptions of ability and artistry. Kayah's power extends beyond performance; he is also an accomplished powerlifter, having won numerous trophies and medals, embodying both literal and metaphorical strength. Performances will run August 6-16.
The physicality of Kayah and Maitreyah in Glass Child shows that while words remain elusive, they are perfectly intertwined, sharing DNA and strength. Glass Child is both intensely personal and universally resonant. It asks audiences to reconsider how we encounter difference, challenging us to look beyond assumptions and recognise the similarities that connect us all.
Glass Child is a bold and compassionate work exploring trust, communication, identity and belonging; it asks audiences to reconsider what it truly means to see one another.
The team at The Farm comment, We've known Kayah and Maitreyah since they were 17 and 14 respectively. Our company and their family have grown together and this show is the one we love the most, out of all the shows we've made down the years. Together we have extended the idea of what being a family is, for and with each other over the years. We're very proud that Glass Child is going to Edinburgh and that we get to share it with other people to let them know there's a lot more going on in the world than they realise. And there's a lot more in each of us than we often give credit for.
The production is created and performed by Kayah and Maitreyah Guenther, directed by Kate Harman and Gavin Webber, with set and costume design by Rozina Suliman, lighting design by Chloe Ogilvie, and composition and sound design by Anna Whitaker. The show is part of the House of Oz Edinburgh 2026 season.
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