World Stage to Present North American Premiere of BACKSTAGE IN BISCUIT LAND

World Stage 2016 continues its stellar season with the North American premiere of Backstage in Biscuit Land from British writer, artist and activist Jess Thom. Celebrating the creativity and humour of Tourette Syndrome, four 'Relaxed' Performances of Backstage in Biscuit Land will be presented from May 25 to 28 at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre.

Combining storytelling, comedy and puppetry, Backstage in Biscuit Land presents an intimate glimpse into Thom's unique perspective as a performer and woman with Tourette Syndrome. As a result of her tics, Thom says the word "biscuit" 16,000 times a day. She loved the theatre as a child, but the intensity of her tics made it increasingly difficult to attend. After being asked to sit in isolation while attending a theatre performance, Thom discovered the only place in the theatre she wouldn't be asked to leave was the stage. Playful, spontaneous and laugh-out-loud funny, Backstage in Biscuit Land shows first hand that making theatre inclusive makes it better.

"At World Stage, everyone is welcome to experience theatre and we look forward to a true exchange of ideas through Backstage in Biscuit Land and other performances," said Artistic Director Tina Rasmussen. "Jess Thom offers an incredibly empowering performance that is refreshing, honest, intelleigent and humourous."

In associaton with Touretetteshero, co-founded by Thom to increase awareness of Tourette Syndrome and its challenges without self-pity or mockery, World Stage is introducing Relaxed Performances for Backstage in Biscuit Land in order to allow all audience members to feel comfortable in the theatre. Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome people who would benefit from a relaxing of traditional theatre etiquette and the expectations of stillness and silence. Adjustments often include gentler lighting and sound, relaxed attitudes to noise and movement in the theatre, and a general awareness amongst audience and staff of the possibility of disruption.

Backstage in Biscuit Land has received rave reviews:

• "This truly engaging, often joyous hour is a reminder that unpredictability can be a real spur for creativity." The Guardian (UK)
• "The humour is black but it's also daft and uplifting, and in places, impossibly moving. Like the best comedy, it makes you look at the world in a different way. Remarkable." Independent (UK)
• "If Monty Python ran disability awareness training with a feminist twist, this would be it." Disability Arts Online (UK)

Special discussions will complement these Backstage in Biscuit Land performances (free with ticket purchase):

• May 25: A pre-show Tea on Opening Night with World Stage's Scholar-in-Residence Matthew Sergi from the University of Toronto.
• May 26: A post-show "talkshow" invites the audience to connect with the artists.

Since its inaugural season 30 years ago in 1986, World Stage continues to present groundbreaking contemporary performances from around the world. The 2016 season, curated by Artistic Director Tina Rasmussen, includes seven international theatre, dance and multidisciplinary performances from Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Palestine.

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