Of punk and prizes: notes from the Australian neurodiverse theatre company lauded around the world

‘To feel that [we] were part of an international community had a strong impact’ says artistic director Bruce Gladwin. Photograph: Christopher Hopkins/The Guardian

In a dark walled rehearsal space, three actors run lines. “Are you OK with the word disability?” starts Simon Laherty. A devoted fan of Britney Spears, he wears a black hoodie emblazoned with the singer and her catchcry “Oops …”

“I don’t think it describes me,” Sarah Mainwaring retorts in a steady voice, each syllable carrying deep feeling.