Cork stage school marks World Down Syndrome Day with play

The Cada students sport knitted sock brooches resembling the extra chromosome associated with Down syndrome at the stage show

Drama students and teachers from CADA performing arts in their production of Unmasked at the CAT club recently to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Students of a Cork stage school donned some quirky good luck charms as part of a touching display for their classmates with Down syndrome.

CADA’S stage show Unmasked at the Cork Arts Theatre saw students sport knitted sock brooches resembling the extra chromosome associated with Down syndrome. 

Students with the condition were given the chance to shine with the support of fellow CADA performers with whom they have grown close to over the years. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Students with the condition were given the chance to shine with the support of fellow CADA performers with whom they have grown close to over the years. It was initially planned that the children would take the socks home. However, they insisted on wearing the items for their performances.

The idea to distribute tiny socks came from the families of students Suin Marron and Katie Connolly. Sixteen-year-old Katie joined CADA around four years ago while Suin has been with the stage school for most of her life.

The socks had been on sale to raise funds for Down Syndrome Cork, but the pair were keen to give them out to performers as a way of raising awareness for World Down Syndrome Day.

Katie and Suin performed with other CADA members in the variety show which has been lauded for fostering inclusion and diversity. Katie’s mother Jackie opened up about what CADA means to her daughter and other children with Down syndrome.

“Katie thought that giving out the socks was a lovely idea. She knows she has Down syndrome and an extra chromosome and is delighted for everyone else to know too. 

The other students at CADA know that people with Down syndrome are no different to anybody else in that they can dance and act and do anything they want in life. 

"Joining CADA has given her that confidence. She gets on really well with her classmates. When you go to a place like CADA you either sink or swim and luckily, she is still swimming. They have shown everyone just how important it is for inclusion to be encouraged.” 

Artistic Director of CADA, Catherine Mahon-Buckley, said the stage school works with a number of children and teenagers with varying disabilities.

“We see everybody’s gift and their worth. As far as we’re concerned we are all one. We have the same feelings and the same wants. I received a text from one of the children with Down syndrome saying “thank you for allowing me to act” which was so beautiful. 

(Left to right) Ger O'Sullivan, teacher; Noah Steinmetz, Katie Connolly and Siomha Marron, teacher from CADA performing arts in their production of Unmasked at the Cork Arts Theatre over the weekend. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

"We make sure that they have all the support they need so there is no need to worry about lines or anything like that. When people have the right support and care they will blow you away.” 

Working with children and teenagers with Down syndrome has been a rewarding experience for Catherine.

“When they are here it is as if a rainbow has come over the academy. We don’t see them as any different to any other children. Everyone is treated the same. We support children with everything from Down syndrome to autism. We see the person before the disability. That’s what CADA is all about.”