Photo by Claire Conroy, Oily Cart
Enter The Dragon’s Cave (ETDC) is Jo-anne’s most recent multidisciplinary project. ETDC is a sonically-rich sensory theatre experience bringing high quality Disabled-led arts to young people with profound disabilities. The project is co-creational in approach and aims to connect participants to their own Dragon’s Cave - their space of wonder and exploration. The young people’s authentic self-expression and responses are integral to bringing the Dragon’s Cave and its story to life.
The project originated in 2022 during Jo-anne’s Artistic Residency with Oily Cart Theatre, the UK’s leading sensory theatre company for young people. Mentored by Ellie Griffiths, Jo-anne worked with Lowri Jenkins (creative enabler), Rachel Warr (puppeteer) and Gary Day (creative technologist) exploring cello, changes in light, shadow puppetry and interactive music technology.
Further development was supported in 2024-25 by Waltham Forest’s Make it Happen grants programme. Following a residency style model, ETDC was delivered at specialist schools between November 2024 and March 2025, led by Jo-anne Cox in collaboration with Lowri Jenkins (dramaturg), Rachel Warr (puppeteer), Gary Day (creative technologist), Valeria Radchenko (creative enabler) and the young people themselves.
Feedback:
"I am so so grateful for the opportunity you gave us to work with Jo-anne and the team. It was such a wonderful experience for all the students and staff. I am always trying to look for enriching activities for our learners with complex needs and this was truly spectacular.” Teacher at JFK school.
“This project not only provided an enriching experience for our students' educational journey, but also allowed us as educators to collaborate with experts in ways that we don't always get to. One of the most heartwarming aspects of this experience was witnessing the increased confidence and communication skills our students gained. Students were able to engage and communicate freely in a safe and encouraging space. The impact of the 'Enter the Dragon's Cave' project will be remembered by both the students and staff for a long time.” Vice Principal at Margaret Brearley School.
Supported by Waltham Forest's Make It Happen 2024 Grants Programme.
