Literature Enrichment Programme
3 April 2024
Secondary Three Literature students watched Pangdemonium's *Falling* and joined a post-show dialogue with the autistic community, deepening their understanding of ableism and the themes in their set text.
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In March, our Secondary Three Literature students made a trip to the theatre as part of the Literature Enrichment Programme. They watched Pangdemonium’s production of Falling, now back for its second run after the success of its initial staging in 2016. Written by American playwright Deanna Jent, Falling explores family life in a household with a severely autistic child and sheds light on the everyday challenges caregivers of persons with special needs face.
By turns gripping and darkly humorous, the heartrending play had our students on the edge of their seats, riveted by the stories of its characters and the many poignant moments. The play, coupled with a post-show dialogue with members of the autistic community in Singapore, left a deep impression on our students. Many came away from the experience a little more thoughtful and aware about the kinds of ableism that exist in society and attuned to the themes of difference and unconditional love as exemplified in our Literature set text, The Chrysalids. It was certainly an afternoon our students would never forget.
