Athena Stevens has been nominated for an Offie for ‘Best Female in a Play’ for her role in Schism at Park Theatre. She is the first ever actress in a wheelchair to be nominated for the award.
Schism is a play by Athena Stevens, a groundbreaking playwright with cerebral palsy. Athena’s mainstream cannon of work speaks to the experience of disability in the human condition. Questioning the power dynamics between genders and abilities; at its heart, Schism is a play about two people finding each other, asking at what point dreams and relationships become unrealistic or out of date.
Failed architect Harrison had plans end his life. The last thing he needed was Katherine, a young student with cerebral palsy, breaking into his house begging for his help…
As their chaotic first encounter turns into the beginning of a twenty-year relationship, the unlikely couple grow to realise that they are capable of either building something great together – or absolutely destroying each other.
Athena Stevens says:
“The industry has a very long way to go to break down their self-created barriers towards disabilities. I’m thrilled that my work as an actor has been recognised in this way and will keep fighting to get diverse voice heard in the mainstream.”