Meret, a young adult with cerebral palsy, talks about her whirlwind experience with a career in creative media

Nine years ago, I wasn’t far off sitting the HSC. Everyone, including myself, thought I would go on to study science. But as time went on and exams grew closer, I found myself falling out of love with the sciences and losing myself in plays, novels, and films—everything from the classics to the outright wacky. So, I did the logical thing and enrolled myself in an arts degree. I don’t think the “oh well, if I don’t like it after a year, I’ll transfer to something science-related” attitude relieved my parents’ shock in any way, but it’s a family joke now!

After that degree and a few independent films, I found myself in the factual department at the ABC, where during unfamiliar COVID times, I was able to spend two years learning on the job. I am so grateful for those two years, but had always wanted to work for production companies and give myself the opportunity to author my own work. So, by the start of 2023, I had no job and no real plan!

Around the same time, I received a call from a producer at Back to Back Theatre who asked me if I had a valid passport and could spare a few weeks in the middle of the year. A couple years earlier, I had worked as an associate producer on Shadow, Back to Back’s film adaptation of their stage play, The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes. The darkly-comedic production, where a group of disability activists warn society about the impending threat of artificial intelligence, opened my eyes to a form of disability activism that I didn’t think was possible through a story that would appeal to audiences with and without disability alike.

Anyways, back to the aforementioned passport situation: “we’d like you to represent us at a festival in Athens, Meret.” My response: “twist my arm, of course my passport’s valid”. I’d travelled with family and travelled solo to catch up with family before, but even though I’d be meeting up with a colleague, this was a new experience. Not long after, I was asked if I’d be happy to go from Athens to New York for another festival and this time I’d be completely solo.

I’d had an opportunity to study overseas as part of my degree which I turned down, in part because I didn’t know how practical it would be for me. But, when it came to Athens and New York, the thought never entered my head. Sure, I’d have to find someone to help me lug my suitcase off a baggage carousel, but who cares, it’s Athens and New York!

There were many memorable moments on that trip (in addition to working!)—from having to book a one-on-one trip to the Acropolis because I knew the stairs were steep and I’d need a hand to hold onto to jampacking as many New York monuments into two and a half days as possible. But, the memory of solo travelling I don’t think I’ll ever forget is the feeling I had in Athens airport, because even after an incredible week all I wanted was to rest my head on a familiar shoulder and close my eyes. After New York and Athens, I had the opportunity to represent Shadow in Harstad, northern Norway, which I managed to incorporate with a trip to visit family in Cairo.

And, so now it's 2024 and there’s no more overseas trips in sight, but I am working as part of a new TV series that will see musicians with disability perform at a major Australian music festival and am writing a stage play with the support of a Creative Australia grant and an Australian Plays Transform mentorship. So, my message to that seventeen year-old who nearly studied science, is simple; go for it, girl! Go for it!

For more information about topics like travel and professional development as a person with cerebral palsy, My CP Guide hosts a variety of information resources. Browse the Leisure & Recreation and Work categories on My CP Guide to find other relevant resources.