Restless Dance Theatre, known for its innovative approaches to dance and disability, has launched a production entitled 'Guttered' that challenges societal expectations regarding individuals with disabilities. The performance, which is part of the Joondalup Festival, takes place in a bowling alley—a setting chosen to illustrate the often protective measures put in place for people with disabilities, such as gutter bumpers in bowling. Artistic director Michelle Ryan encourages the idea of 'the dignity of risk,' advocating that individuals should be allowed the chance to fail in order to learn and grow.

The creation of 'Guttered' was inspired by an outing to a bowling alley, where Ryan observed the staff instinctively installing gutter bumpers for the group of people with disabilities. This reaction highlighted a common societal tendency to shield individuals with disabilities from failure, which inadvertently limits their potential for growth and learning experiences. Through this performance, Restless Dance Theatre aims to provoke thought and conversation about the restrictions placed on individuals with disabilities and the importance of embracing risk-taking as a pathway to empowerment.

The Joondalup Festival serves as a platform for Restless Dance Theatre to showcase this groundbreaking work. By integrating the performance into a non-traditional venue like a bowling alley, the company not only defies assumptions about what dance can be but also invites the audience to reconsider their own views on disability and inclusivity. The work speaks to broader societal issues and positions dance as a powerful medium for advocacy and change, highlighting the need for greater acceptance and understanding in public spaces.