Synapse

What if the way I see the world isn’t a mistake?

 

Maybe it’s the way the world truly is.

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Lyra sees herself as damaged and useless, angry that she’s locked up because of the way her mind works. One day, she is approached by a mysterious person who tells her that her disorder is actually the ability to read and repurpose the earth’s energy. If she follows him, she will become part of an effort to save the planet, but she will also be faced with impossible tasks, endless danger, and a deeper world of magic.

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A seemingly familiar story of self-discovery and magical powers, Synapse is told through the lens of real-world neurodivergence and disability, and is paired with imaginative spectacle only live theatre can deliver.

 

Synapse was originally written by Shanae’a Moore as part of her MFA at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than a live performance, Shanae’a worked with her classmates and faculty to create an audio drama version of the piece, with full sound design and brilliant vocal performances, including Magdalen Vaughn as Marianna, a role she will reprise in this production.

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In February of 2023, Sarah Sneesby directed and choreographed a live “sensory reading” of the piece, combining the audio drama with live movement, lighting effects, and “sensory boxes” for audience members, filled with small items to taste, smell, hear, and touch that aligned with the performance.

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In Summer of 2023, Andrew Roblyer joined the project, bringing the support of The Octarine Accord alongside Creative Movement Practices to co-produce the show.