A review of Dussskk: an interactive, sensory performance for disabled and neurodivergent teenagers

As an artist, a mother, and a parent-carer, I especially wish my own child could have more opportunities to enjoy theatre, to feel part of that magical and collective experience.

Yet I don’t often come across performances that genuinely understand and embrace children and young people with additional support needs. Dussskk, by the Edinburgh-based company Snap-Elastic, is one of those rare and heart-warming exceptions.

As a media reviewer, I attended their recent performance at The Studio, based in the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, which was held exclusively for a local school group. While waiting in the lobby before the show, I found myself sitting beside a dozen lively school pupils and their teachers. Their excitement was contagious, the kind of bright anticipation that fills the air before something special begins.

A warm, welcoming environment

Before we entered the auditorium, staff members warmly greeted the group, spoke gently with the teachers and pupils, and handed out props for some of them to use later in the performance. The space itself was fully accessible for wheelchair users, thoughtfully arranged to make movement easy and natural.

From the very beginning, it was clear how much care had gone into creating an environment that welcomed every kind of response: singing, movement, curiosity, or quietness. The performers guided us through a sensory journey from dusk to dawn, using music, song, dance, and touch to bring the performance to life.

A powerful, immersive performance

What struck me most was the sense of freedom throughout the show. The audience could move, explore, and interact in their own way, without any pressure to sit still or stay silent. The atmosphere felt calm and accepting, creating a shared trust between performers and audience that is rare in traditional theatre.

As someone who cares deeply about accessibility and inclusion, I found it moving to see art made with and for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people, not merely adapted for them afterwards.

Visually, the show was stunning: soft lights, rich textures, and playful, dreamlike costumes that captivated the audience at every moment.

The sound design was powerful and immersive, full of rhythm and energy.

In summary…

I could see how much the audience loved the experience. They reached out to touch the performers, smiled, and joined in the act. It felt like pure joy.

One small note of care: Dussskk is designed for disabled and neurodivergent teenagers who enjoy sound and sensory experiences, particularly those who seek out auditory stimulation.

For children who, like my own, have sensitivities to loud or sudden noises, a few moments might feel overwhelming. It is worth checking beforehand whether the sound levels would suit your child’s sensory needs. I hope there will eventually be an alternative version of the show that caters specifically to this group.

That said, Dussskk is a beautiful reminder of how inclusive art can open new spaces of connection and expression. It is not just a performance; it is an act of care, creativity, and deep understanding.

Upcoming public performances:

8 November 2025 at Platform, Easterhouse, 11:00 am & 2:00 pm. To book tickets, please call 0141 276 9661 or speak to a member of the Platform team at Box Office. 1000 Westerhouse Road, Easterhouse, Glasgow G34 9JW.

Written by: Liwei Teng (@liweiteng_art)

Liwei Teng is an Edinburgh-based interdisciplinary artist whose practice explores the intersections of contemporary art, philosophy, neurology, and social issues. She is a passionate advocate for mothers, parent-carers, and underrepresented voices. In addition to her visual work, she writes poetry and literature in both Chinese and English. Writing reviews for Edinburgh Reviews is one of her favourite creative pastimes.