"The Shapes - A Short Documentary" by The Rogues Den Studios (Australia, 2023) explores music, perception and inclusion through themes of band life, congenital and sensory disability, deafness and young adulthood. We are pleased to include this short film in the Focus on Ability festival programme. It invites viewers to rethink how sound, rhythm and group connection are experienced and shared, and it highlights motivation, viewpoint and the many ways people take part in music. Thoughtful and accessible, The Shapes starts conversations about accessibility and belonging while celebrating creativity and community. A subtle, moving contribution to the festival’s focus on ability and achievement.
I think you'll find that music is a bridge that has the power to unite a diverse group of individuals, irrespective of their disability. For them, not only challenge societal expectations but also demonstrate the profound power of music as a universal language. This is true for anyone really. Music needs people and people need music. So when Kyle and Armstrong got together, their love of music allowed them to open up, communicate universally and find acceptance of who they are. And it was in that revelation that is now evident in their name. So originally the Deaf Heads was the name the boys gave their group and when they started playing together they were the only musicians in the group other than Dime Jason. So when other musicians joined the group, Kristy and Scott, Kyle realised that they weren't all deaf so he felt that the name the Deaf Heads didn't really suit them any longer so they came up with The Shapes, being that they're all different shapes and sizes and everyone has different abilities. So we thought that was a really good name, very representative of them. With The Shapes, everything's very visual, letting them know where the time is because they can't hear as much as we can so it's easier to actually visually move parts of our body and point towards them and they're always looking up for help going, where am I? So that's our focus is making it very visual for them. Sometimes I'll tap Kristy's leg to help her know where the timing is. To try and develop that inner meter with them, we sort of make sure it's a visual thing so they sort of can develop that meter so that everyone plays in time. I feel free to do what I want to do. It gives me the chance to show my individuality and my true personality. Because I grew up listening to music, my whole family just play, sing, dance to a culture. It's fun to be the same, it's more fun to be different. I'm happy that they named The Shapes, they make everyone included. The Shapes gave me a lot of confidence to fit in. I don't consider myself different than other people, I'm the same as everyone else. I might have a disability, but I have the same rights as everyone else. That everyone has their own abilities and no matter what the ability is, everyone is different and we all bring new things in. I'm amazingly proud, yeah. I was the mum of a deaf son who wanted to do nothing but play music since he was little and always dreamt of playing in a band. Sorry. And I thought it was never going to be possible because of his deafness, but he's achieved his goal, so he's amazing. It's the whole vibe of the thing, I think, yeah, just the enthusiasm, you know, when it all comes together, it's pretty special. You learn new things eventually and for fun learning other instruments that you haven't used yet. It doesn't matter if we get any of the songs wrong, we just have a great time. And I look every time, as I say, I look for it every time I come here, because this is my safe place. I feel free when I come here. I look forward to the family and the positive atmosphere and everything is a learning experience. Don't hold back on your dreams. Just do what you want to do and want to make your happy. Though shapes reveal the truth, music is an extraordinary force capable of embracing all, irrespective of ability and offering sanctuary where every voice can be heard. I'll be waiting outside your front door.
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