Betsy and I
Betsy is fabulous and feisty, hates being alone and knows what she wants - to get out of the car boot. Betsy is at Ivy’s mercy as a wheelie-walker and complains when ignored. Despite their tumultuous relationship and their honest and often funny conversations about Ivy’s disability, they realise how much they do need each other.
Ivy has just been ungraciously dumped by her husband, Greg, for being chronically ill for too long, and has had to move in with her well-meaning (but clueless father). With great reluctance and some pressure from Dad, Ivy meets Betsy - a lilac wheelie walker. As Ivy battles with her changing circumstances and complicated feelings, Betsy comes to life to help lead the way! A contemporary, magic realism theatre work, Betsy and I follows Ivy and Betsy on their many adventures; to the park, to the shop, to confronting fat-shaming strangers and maybe even almost winding up in prison! As their friendship blossoms, Ivy’s confidence grows and she finds herself getting closer to a place of acceptance.
“Betsy and I is still providing me with loads of after thoughts and insights. It was a very powerful event.”
-Audience Member
“One of the first things I noticed when the show began was that I felt at ease in the space. It was intimate and relaxed. I felt as though I had been welcomed into Ivy’s home for a hot cuppa and a story.”
-Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane
“If I had stars to hand out for the world premiere of Betsy and I would score five out of five”
-Audience Member
-Arts Hub
“Humour and honesty is at the forefront of her witty dialogue, even as the audience was confronted with the very real challenges a person with a disability faces...”
-Arts Hub
“This is a show for disabled people to feel seen and others to be educated... I felt moved, I learnt a thing or two, and I was also delighted by the characters and story I came to know along the way.”
-Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane
“Betsy and I is still providing me with loads of after thoughts and insights. It was a very powerful event.”
-Audience Member
Betsy and I was written by Alexandra Ellen and produced by indelabilityarts.
It premiered at the Undercover Artist Festival in September 2023 to a sold-out audience and rave reviews.
Betsy and I has received support from indelabilityarts, Undercover Artist, Access Arts, Brisbane City Council, Redlands Performing Arts Centre and PIP Theatre.
Photographs by Jade Ellis Photography