Guttered: Joondalup Festival's Bowling Alley Dance Show Challenges Disability Perceptions
Perth residents should prepare for an extraordinary cultural experience as the Joondalup Festival prepares to deliver one of the most surprising and thought-provoking nights of the year. This remarkable event transforms a familiar bowling alley into a powerful stage for immersive dance-theatre that will captivate audiences and provoke meaningful conversations.
An Immersive Experience in Unexpected Surroundings
Presented by Restless Dance Theatre, Guttered takes place within iPlay Bowling at Whitfords Shopping Centre, turning what is typically a venue for casual recreation into an intimate performance space. The production pulls audience members directly into the action, creating an environment where every strike, spare, and missed opportunity becomes palpable in the atmosphere.
This innovative performance transforms the simple social game of bowling into something wildly entertaining while simultaneously delivering a quietly paradigm-shifting message about disability, protection, and personal growth.
Confronting Societal Attitudes Toward Disability
At the heart of Guttered lies a profound question delivered with both humor and heartfelt sincerity: Why do societies frequently confuse protection with genuine care when it comes to disabled individuals? The performance playfully challenges the notion that shielding someone from failure, however well-intentioned, might actually stifle their development and potential.
Director Michelle Ryan explains the production's central philosophy: "Why don't we allow people with disability to have the dignity of risk? Disability Service lanes restrict failure. Failure is a key motivation to develop and learn."
The show asks audience members to reflect on their own experiences with competition and support. When was the last time you bowled? If someone installed gutter guards and ramps specifically for you, would that feel supportive or quietly humiliating?
The Theatrical Power of a Bowling Alley
Ryan describes the bowling alley as an inherently theatrical setting that provides sensory richness to the performance. "The noise of the pins falling; the smell of the oil from the hot chips; the classic bowling shirts and shoes; and the raucous interaction of the bowlers – it's almost a sensory overload," she notes.
Within this vibrant environment, the dancers share intimate stories of winning and losing in a context that is both personal and public. The production explores how competition reveals both our sharp edges and our soft sides, creating a nuanced portrait of human experience.
Personal Perspectives from the Performers
Performer Darcy Carpenter offers insight into the production's approach: "I don't need the gutter guards up because I bowl down the lane, waiting to get a strike. I always bowl with my thumb up. Some people can be strong but if the pins don't go down then you just try again."
This perspective emphasizes resilience and the value of persistence, challenging assumptions about what disabled individuals need or want from supportive structures.
Performance Details and Festival Information
Guttered promises to be a moving performance that will likely leave audiences emotionally affected. The show runs across multiple sessions from March 17-19, with tickets priced at $18 for adults and $10 for children under 12 years old.
For those inspired to engage more deeply, Restless Dance Theatre will host a free, inclusive community workshop on March 16. This session welcomes all participants and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate neurodiverse and disabled individuals. The workshop introduces contemporary dance and physical devising techniques in a welcoming environment that encourages movement, exploration, and connection.
The Joondalup Festival itself runs from March 7–22, offering a diverse program of free and ticketed live experiences designed to unlock wonder throughout the City of Joondalup. The festival returns to Perth's northern suburbs in 2026 with an expanded program of cultural offerings.
