I LOVE YOU by Janet Diane

In November 6 artists came together at the Fairfield School of Arts to work on the script for Janet Diane’s autobiographical performance work I Love You. Originally developed with Powerhouse Youth Theatre in 2009 I Love You is a story of determination & courage.

Janet’s Story from Saber Media on Vimeo.

At 15, Janet was admitted to hospital suffering a brain haemorrhage. Upon waking Janet discovered she was unable to walk, unable to talk, only able to mutter the words “I love you”. Janet commenced the long rehabilitation process of re-learning how to walk, talk and read again and while her recovery is extraordinary the incident has left her with speech dysphasia and partial weakness on her right side.

I always wanted to be an actor but after the haemorrhage I thought, I can’t even talk how can I be an actor?

Janet Diane

Through the help rehabilitation Janet was able to continue to pursue her love of acting. “I always wanted to be an actor but after the haemorrhage I thought, I can’t even talk how can I be an actor” But she began reading plays and practice allowed her to read scripts fluently which helped develop her confidence.

Janet has since performed for Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Accessible Arts, STC as part of the Youth Engagement Showcase, Australian Theatre for Youth People & Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Through the support of Accessible Arts Delineate Funding, PYT and Fairfield City Council Janet recently collaborated with Writer/Director Francesca Smith and Choreographer Julia Cotton to further develop the script for I Love You.

Francesca is a renowned Writer, Director and Playwright who has worked across the country for major organizations, Festivals conferences and has also been the resident teacher for NIDA Playwrights Studio for the past 12 years.

Julia began her career as a classical dancer with The Australian Ballet and has worked as a choreographer with many companies including Company B Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, The Australian Ballet and the Australian Dance Theatre. She was also a former Artistic Director of Australian Theatre of the Deaf.

I found there was ignorance or lack of education towards people like me. With this observation, my main focus is to bring awareness through writing and acting to others about people with disabilities. I also want to inspire the ones who have suffered and feel trapped within themselves. I hope people with disabilities can be proud and have the will power to be strong.

Janet Diane

Francesca and Julia worked with Janet and two tango artists Yamila Falcon and Sonny Huy to explore the themes I Love You, looking at Janet’s love of dancing, shoes, set backs, challenges and major triumphs such as Janet successfully being able to paint the nails on her right hand.

PYT commissioned documentary filmmaker Saber Baluch to produce a short film of this workshop process and look at how and why it is important to tell Janet’s story.

Armed with the re-worked script PYT will be looking for support and partners to present a full production of I Love You in 2012. To follow her progress, please visit http://janetdiane.wordpress.com/

If you are interested in supporting Janet or the production please contact naomi(at)pyt.com.au

Janet would like to thank all the supporters who have donated money, attended a fundraiser or performance to help her to develop I Love You.

Special Thanks: Francesa Smith, Julia Cotton, Yamila Falcon, Sonny Huy, Saber Baluch, Sarah-Vyne Vassalo, Jennifer Teo, Alison Richardson, Accessible Arts, Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Fairfield City Council, Claudia Chidiac, Eleanor Winkler, Craig Anderson, Lina Kastoumis and all artists involved in the initial creative development of I Love You.