‘My art isn’t disabled’

Australia is lagging behind the rest of the world when it comes to integrating circus performers with a disability, but that may be about to change.
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Fair Ground Project coordinator Lachlan ‘Loki’ Rickus: image supplied

Adelaide-based circus/cabaret performer Lachlan ‘Loki’ Rickus started his career as a dancer and gymnast before beginning training with Adelaide’s Cirkidz, but broke his neck aged 18. 

‘I grew up with a circus and gymnastics background and then when I was 18, I fell off an aerial hoop and broke my neck; I’ve had a big arts background growing up and performing since being in a wheelchair … I don’t see myself as a disabled artist; I’m an artist who happens to have a disability … My art isn’t disabled,’ Rickus said.

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Richard Watts is ArtsHub's National Performing Arts Editor; he also presents the weekly program SmartArts on Three Triple R FM, and serves as the Chair of La Mama Theatre's volunteer Committee of Management. Richard is a life member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, and was awarded the status of Melbourne Fringe Living Legend in 2017. In 2020 he was awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards' Facilitator's Prize. Most recently, Richard was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Green Room Awards Association in June 2021. Follow him on Twitter: @richardthewatts