A massive project has been brewing over the last six years: the Disability Arts History Australia website, spearheaded by academics from across the country. This month Anthea talks to two of them: Bree Hadley and Eddie Paterson.

https://disabilityartshistoryaustralia.net/

Click here to access a transcript of this episode.

What’s on:

Australian Museum - Unfinished Business

https://australian.museum/exhibition/unfinished-business/

Fitzroy Library Showcases - Muscle Cars - Jo Kiriazis.

https://www.artsaccess.com.au/whats-on/muscle-cars-by-jo-kiriazis-solo-exhibition/

Music

Nat Luna – Talk Soon

https://linktr.ee/natluna

-------

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

 

A massive project has been brewing over the last six years: the Disability Arts History Australia website, spearheaded by academics from across the country. This month Anthea talks to two of them: Bree Hadley and Eddie Paterson.
<a href="https://disabilityartshistoryaustralia.net/">https://disabilityartshistoryaustralia.net/</a>
Click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a9awgdho5b30hrs11lz42/251205-Sideshow-Season-3-Ep-13-Disability-Arts-History.docx?rlkey=g7axef1iez5emz41oaig2tlat&amp;st=wosuqk7o&amp;dl=0">here</a> to access a transcript of this episode.
What&rsquo;s on:
Australian Museum - Unfinished Business
<a href="https://australian.museum/exhibition/unfinished-business/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=10961890062&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADj48YlucMiWxQlKwWg0TVWrCDLLJ&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAiqDJBhCXARIsABk2kSni3Qjhy1fYHGwnLYJZ2ynmbhlLazmZi1Pv3C-Egep3aPe38HjMFwMaArY6EALw_wcB">https://australian.museum/exhibition/unfinished-business/</a>
Fitzroy Library Showcases - Muscle Cars - Jo Kiriazis.
<a href="https://www.artsaccess.com.au/whats-on/muscle-cars-by-jo-kiriazis-solo-exhibition/">https://www.artsaccess.com.au/whats-on/muscle-cars-by-jo-kiriazis-solo-exhibition/</a>
Music
Nat Luna &ndash; Talk Soon
<a href="https://linktr.ee/natluna">https://linktr.ee/natluna</a>
-------
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com
&nbsp;

Disability Arts History

This month Anthea talks with Wollongong’s only professional theatre ensemble – The Stangeways Ensemble. They are a company of neurodiverse actors who have been devising theatre together for over a decade. This month they open their new work, The Seven, at The Wollongong Town Hall.  

You can access a transcript of this episode here.

The Strangeways Ensemble:

https://merrigong.com.au/about-us/the-strangeways-ensemble/

The Seven:

https://merrigong.com.au/shows/the-seven

What’s on:

Inclusion Festival

https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on/annual-events/inclusion-festival

Hydro Disco – Art Pool Party bookings – this is a free event!

https://events.humanitix.com/inner-west-hydro-disco

Music

Favourite Kid - Setback

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5CQ406OomjWqSnFjsnTeGD?si=0f9e35c87dad4382&nd=1&dlsi=9731d50ea69b4ced

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

This month Anthea talks with Wollongong&rsquo;s only professional theatre ensemble &ndash; The Stangeways Ensemble. They are a company of neurodiverse actors who have been devising theatre together for over a decade. This month they open their new work, The Seven, at The Wollongong Town Hall.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yzkx5imngwhtlelh7epxw/251107-Sideshow-Season-3-Ep-12-The-Strangeways-Ensemble.docx?rlkey=9lr4n4l6w8djqg35lacvnllkt&amp;dl=0">You can access a transcript of this episode here.</a>
The Strangeways Ensemble:
<a href="https://merrigong.com.au/about-us/the-strangeways-ensemble/">https://merrigong.com.au/about-us/the-strangeways-ensemble/</a>
The Seven:
<a href="https://merrigong.com.au/shows/the-seven">https://merrigong.com.au/shows/the-seven</a>
What&rsquo;s on:
Inclusion Festival
<a href="https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on/annual-events/inclusion-festival">https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on/annual-events/inclusion-festival</a>
Hydro Disco &ndash; Art Pool Party bookings &ndash; this is a free event!
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/inner-west-hydro-disco">https://events.humanitix.com/inner-west-hydro-disco</a>
Music
Favourite Kid - Setback
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5CQ406OomjWqSnFjsnTeGD?si=0f9e35c87dad4382&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=9731d50ea69b4ced">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5CQ406OomjWqSnFjsnTeGD?si=0f9e35c87dad4382&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=9731d50ea69b4ced</a>
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

The Strangeways Ensemble 

This month Anthea talks with award-winning nature writer, memoirist, and poet Polly Atkin about her remarkable body of work, Nature Cures and the owls of Grasmere. Click here to access a transcript of this episode.

Polly Atkin’s website:

https://pollyatkin.com/about/

Polly Atkin’s article on Lit Hub about The Salt Path:

https://lithub.com/nature-is-not-going-to-cure-you-on-raynor-winns-fabricated-memoir/

Polly has previously taught English Literature and Creative Writing at Queen Mary University of London, Strathclyde University, Lancaster University, and the University of Cumbria. Her first book, Some of Us Just Fall: On Nature and Not Getting Better, was longlisted for the 2024 Wainwright Prize. She is also the author of The Company of Owls. She lives in Grasmere, England, and is the co-owner of historic independent bookshop Sam Read Bookseller.

What’s on:

Chloe Hayden Curates the Powerhouse Collection:

https://powerhouse.com.au/about/media/chloe-hayden-curates-the-powerhouse-collection

Legacy of Lines – Carly Marchment

https://www.slimdustycentre.com.au/Visit-Us/Whats-On/Legacy-of-Lines-exhibition-by-Carly-Marchment

Music

Lee Reid – Towards the Great Unknown

https://soundcloud.com/leereid-music

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

This month Anthea talks with award-winning nature writer, memoirist, and poet Polly Atkin about her remarkable body of work, Nature Cures and the owls of Grasmere. <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dqp9j9tyq8uz0vu26h89f/251010-Sideshow-S3-E11-Polly-Atkin-Transcript.docx?rlkey=8c5cvxnzcfzl36if07yoba8l7&amp;st=a0k0imk1&amp;dl=0">Click here to access a transcript of this episode.</a>
Polly Atkin&rsquo;s website:
<a href="https://pollyatkin.com/about/">https://pollyatkin.com/about/</a>
Polly Atkin&rsquo;s article on Lit Hub about The Salt Path:
<a href="https://lithub.com/nature-is-not-going-to-cure-you-on-raynor-winns-fabricated-memoir/">https://lithub.com/nature-is-not-going-to-cure-you-on-raynor-winns-fabricated-memoir/</a>
Polly has previously taught English Literature and Creative Writing at Queen Mary University of London, Strathclyde University, Lancaster University, and the University of Cumbria. Her first book, Some of Us Just Fall: On Nature and Not Getting Better, was longlisted for the 2024 Wainwright Prize. She is also the author of The Company of Owls. She lives in Grasmere, England, and is the co-owner of historic independent bookshop Sam Read Bookseller.
What&rsquo;s on:
Chloe Hayden Curates the Powerhouse Collection:
<a href="https://powerhouse.com.au/about/media/chloe-hayden-curates-the-powerhouse-collection">https://powerhouse.com.au/about/media/chloe-hayden-curates-the-powerhouse-collection</a>
Legacy of Lines &ndash; Carly Marchment
<a href="https://www.slimdustycentre.com.au/Visit-Us/Whats-On/Legacy-of-Lines-exhibition-by-Carly-Marchment">https://www.slimdustycentre.com.au/Visit-Us/Whats-On/Legacy-of-Lines-exhibition-by-Carly-Marchment</a>
Music
Lee Reid &ndash; Towards the Great Unknown
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/leereid-music">https://soundcloud.com/leereid-music</a>
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at <a href="mailto:antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com">antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com</a>

Polly Atkin

This month Anthea talks with singer, songwriter and disability advocate Elly May Barnes about her life as a musician and work to make the music industry more accessible ahead of her headlining show at the Sydney Fringe Festival.

https://sydneyfringe.com/events/elly-may-barnes/

You can access a transcript of this episode here.

What’s on:

Embodied – A Deaf Perspective

https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/emerging-curator-program-embodied-deaf-perspective

Flesh Mirror – Pulse, Melbourne Fringe

https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/flesh-mirror

Melbourne Fringe – check out their digital offerings

https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events?eventfilters=locations%3A167c665a-27f6-4614-af76-4fa221137ba5&additionalFilters=Other

Music

Elly May Barnes – No Good

https://www.ellymaybarnes.com/

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

This month Anthea talks with singer, songwriter and disability advocate Elly May&nbsp;Barnes about her life as a musician and work to make the music industry more accessible ahead of her headlining show at the Sydney Fringe Festival.
<a href="https://sydneyfringe.com/events/elly-may-barnes/">https://sydneyfringe.com/events/elly-may-barnes/</a>
You can access a transcript of this episode <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/iq5dg1aok0blkt1ndujbb/250912-Sideshow-S3-Ep10-Elly-May-Barnes.docx?rlkey=g950aceuohe1yeex481k7tv25&amp;st=stpxowwm&amp;dl=0">here</a>.
What&rsquo;s on:
Embodied &ndash; A Deaf Perspective
<a href="https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/emerging-curator-program-embodied-deaf-perspective">https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/emerging-curator-program-embodied-deaf-perspective</a>
Flesh Mirror &ndash; Pulse, Melbourne Fringe
<a href="https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/flesh-mirror">https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/flesh-mirror</a>
Melbourne Fringe &ndash; check out their digital offerings
<a href="https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events?eventfilters=locations%3A167c665a-27f6-4614-af76-4fa221137ba5&amp;additionalFilters=Other">https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events?eventfilters=locations%3A167c665a-27f6-4614-af76-4fa221137ba5&amp;additionalFilters=Other</a>
Music
Elly May Barnes &ndash; No Good
<a href="https://www.ellymaybarnes.com/">https://www.ellymaybarnes.com/</a>
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Elly May Barnes

This month Anthea talks with musician, writer and activist Eliza Hull about her life as a songwriter while trying not to fangirl too hard! Eliza is also the Powerd Media Lead at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. Powerd media is a media platform created by and for people with disabilities.

https://elizahull.com/

https://powerd.media/

What’s on:

Limitless – Sydney Fringe

https://sydneyfringe.com/limitless/

Undercover Artist Festival - Brisbane

https://undercoverartistfest.com/

Music Sample:

Tomorrow – Eliza Hull

https://open.spotify.com/track/2xwQNUuF7S0JUxhstNkYFF

This month Anthea talks with musician, writer and activist Eliza Hull about her life as a songwriter while trying not to fangirl too hard! Eliza is also the Powerd Media Lead at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. Powerd media is a media platform created by and for people with disabilities.
<a href="https://elizahull.com/">https://elizahull.com/</a>
<a href="https://powerd.media/">https://powerd.media/</a>
What&rsquo;s on:
Limitless &ndash; Sydney Fringe
<a href="https://sydneyfringe.com/limitless/">https://sydneyfringe.com/limitless/</a>
Undercover Artist Festival - Brisbane
<a href="https://undercoverartistfest.com/">https://undercoverartistfest.com/</a>
Music Sample:
Tomorrow &ndash; Eliza Hull
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2xwQNUuF7S0JUxhstNkYFF">https://open.spotify.com/track/2xwQNUuF7S0JUxhstNkYFF</a>

Eliza Hull

This month Anthea talks to multi-disciplinary artist and double doctor Debra Keenahan about her life, dehumanisation and the athletics of access. 
https://debrakeenahan.com.au/the-artist-and-her-art/

You can access a transcript of this episode here.

What’s on:

Beacon Exhibition

https://www.artsaccess.com.au/whats-on/beacon/

Are You Pulling My Leg?

https://artsontour.com.au/tours/are-you-pulling-my-leg-2025/

Music Sample

No Good by Elly-May Barnes

https://www.ellymaybarnes.com

-----

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

This month Anthea talks to multi-disciplinary artist and double doctor Debra Keenahan about her life, dehumanisation and the athletics of access. <a href="https://debrakeenahan.com.au/the-artist-and-her-art/">https://debrakeenahan.com.au/the-artist-and-her-art/</a>
You can access a transcript of this episode <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/g7yb2wc78taw3733bggjr/250718-Sideshow-Season-2-Ep-8-Debra-Keenahan-TRANSCRIPT.docx?rlkey=p0x32wjwq2ki2gzwj49fcj8vk&amp;st=8txemct1&amp;dl=0">here</a>.
What&rsquo;s on:
Beacon Exhibition
<a href="https://www.artsaccess.com.au/whats-on/beacon/">https://www.artsaccess.com.au/whats-on/beacon/</a>
Are You Pulling My Leg?
<a href="https://artsontour.com.au/tours/are-you-pulling-my-leg-2025/">https://artsontour.com.au/tours/are-you-pulling-my-leg-2025/</a>
Music Sample
No Good by Elly-May Barnes
<a href="https://www.ellymaybarnes.com">https://www.ellymaybarnes.com</a>
-----
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Debra Keenahan

Undercover Artist Festival has been running in Brisbane since 2014. Current Festival Director Madeleine Little discusses the festival and her creative practice with Anthea this month.

https://undercoverartistfest.com/

You can access a full transcript of this episode here.

What’s on

Charge! Agincourt by Back to Back at ACMI showing till February 2026

https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/charge-b2b-theatre/

Sydney Disability Pride Festival 2025 – July 26 

https://disabilitypridesydney.com/

Music Sample

Facing Monsters by Tralala Blip

https://www.instagram.com/tralalablip/?hl=en

 

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Undercover Artist Festival has been running in Brisbane since 2014. Current Festival Director Madeleine Little discusses the festival and her creative practice with Anthea this month.
<a href="https://undercoverartistfest.com/">https://undercoverartistfest.com/</a>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9v85xiwbd3aimakmnhohz/250620-Sideshow-S3-Ep7-Undercover-Artist-Festival.docx?rlkey=qwa9wq1evrxu6ec9ce6skdpqd&amp;st=n1m3ev8d&amp;dl=0">You can access a full transcript of this episode here.</a>
What&rsquo;s on
Charge! Agincourt by Back to Back at ACMI showing till February 2026
<a href="https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/charge-b2b-theatre/">https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/charge-b2b-theatre/</a>
Sydney Disability Pride Festival 2025 &ndash; July 26 <a href="https://disabilitypridesydney.com/"></a>
<a href="https://disabilitypridesydney.com/">https://disabilitypridesydney.com/</a>
Music Sample
Facing Monsters by Tralala Blip
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tralalablip/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/tralalablip/?hl=en</a>
&nbsp;
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Undercover Artists Festival and Madeleine Little

Rawcus is a critically acclaimed long term ensemble of 14 performers with diverse minds, bodies and imaginations. For over 22 years,  the company has been creating audacious performances and arts experiences. You can access a transcript of this episode here.

https://rawcus.org.au/

---------------

What’s on:

Sydney Film Festival – Life After

www.sff.org.au/program/event/life-after/

Frida Kahlo – In Her Own Image

https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/bendigo-art-gallery/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-in-her-own-image

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Rawcus is a critically acclaimed long term ensemble of 14 performers with diverse minds, bodies and imaginations. For over 22 years,&nbsp; the company has been creating audacious performances and arts experiences. You can access a transcript of this episode <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0blzfkq4b6la9wh9nkbej/250523-Sideshow-S3-Ep-6-Rawcus-Transcript.docx?rlkey=r3n8srv9a059kvhvgf8blgp2c&amp;st=zg1ka469&amp;dl=0">here</a>.
<a href="https://rawcus.org.au/">https://rawcus.org.au/</a>
---------------
What&rsquo;s on:
Sydney Film Festival &ndash; Life After
<a href="https://www.sff.org.au/program/event/life-after/">www.sff.org.au/program/event/life-after/</a>
Frida Kahlo &ndash; In Her Own Image
<a href="https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/bendigo-art-gallery/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-in-her-own-image?utm_campaign=FridaKahlo_Google_Bliss&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22331264340&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADm4Pb_AmW6s-c-VGuPLZKWi_3Lfz&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwuIbBBhBvEiwAsNypvQuL1l6apIOPrwrDVGoporEy94ycqXicECi0jE3x9WJdi1EBA_IKahoCFF4QAvD_BwE">https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/bendigo-art-gallery/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-in-her-own-image</a>
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Rawcus

Andy is an award winning poet, essayist and academic at the University of Melbourne. He writes with vulnerability and fierceness about the body and the nature of being human.

https://amongtheregulars.com/

You can access a transcript of this episode here.

What’s on:

Liz Martin with Michael Bridges at Kandos Kitchen

https://events.humanitix.com/liz-martin-with-michael-bridges-at-kandos-kitchen

Under the Big Blue Sky and Rainbow Mermaid Fireworks at Casula Powerhouse

https://www.casulapowerhouse.com/whats-on/exhibitions-under-the-big-blue-sky

Music Sample: Liz Martin Band - Anthony

https://lizmartinband.bandcamp.com/

 

Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Andy is an award winning poet, essayist and academic at the University of Melbourne. He writes with vulnerability and fierceness about the body and the nature of being human.
<a href="https://amongtheregulars.com/">https://amongtheregulars.com/</a>
You can access a transcript of this episode <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7tuu2ckx1es3pf5uaku9j/250425-Sideshow-S3-E5-Poet-Andy-Jackson.docx?rlkey=3ib6z41w83jz990tfatk4jhnm&amp;st=fo3jna7g&amp;dl=0">here</a>.
What&rsquo;s on:
Liz Martin with Michael Bridges at Kandos Kitchen
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/liz-martin-with-michael-bridges-at-kandos-kitchen">https://events.humanitix.com/liz-martin-with-michael-bridges-at-kandos-kitchen</a>
Under the Big Blue Sky and Rainbow Mermaid Fireworks at Casula Powerhouse
<a href="https://www.casulapowerhouse.com/whats-on/exhibitions-under-the-big-blue-sky">https://www.casulapowerhouse.com/whats-on/exhibitions-under-the-big-blue-sky</a>
Music Sample: Liz Martin Band - Anthony
<a href="https://lizmartinband.bandcamp.com/">https://lizmartinband.bandcamp.com/</a>
&nbsp;
Any feedback or requests please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

Andy Jackson

The Apothetae is a North American theatre company dedicated to the production of works that explore and illuminate the disabled experience. This month Anthea discusses their work and residency at New York’s Public Theater with Artistic Director Gregg Mozgala, Director Kim Weild and Scholar Katherine Williams.

https://www.theapothetae.com/

https://publictheater.org/news-items/2024/the-apoethetaes-residency/

You can view an accessible transcript of this episode here.

What’s on:

The Immersive World of Thom Roberts at the National Portrait Gallery

https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/thom-roberts-2025

Art After Hours: Move with Bedelia and Jeremy Lowrenčev https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/events/art-after-hours-move-bjl/

Music Sample: BATTS – Hold Out   

https://www.battsmusic.com/

Any feedback or requests for 2025 please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

The Apothetae is a North American theatre company dedicated to the production of works that explore and illuminate the disabled experience. This month Anthea discusses their work and residency at New York&rsquo;s Public Theater with Artistic Director Gregg Mozgala, Director Kim Weild and Scholar Katherine Williams.
<a href="https://www.theapothetae.com/">https://www.theapothetae.com/</a>
<a href="https://publictheater.org/news-items/2024/the-apoethetaes-residency/">https://publictheater.org/news-items/2024/the-apoethetaes-residency/</a>
You can view an accessible transcript of this episode <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/10zs0dan6tb8gx99r0evo/250328-Sideshow-S3-Ep4-The-Apothetae-Theater-PODCAST-VERSION.docx?rlkey=vnnh3ookki7slowecv49lwggx&amp;st=hd2dgq5b&amp;dl=0">here</a>.
What&rsquo;s on:
The Immersive World of Thom Roberts at the National Portrait Gallery
<a href="https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/thom-roberts-2025">https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/thom-roberts-2025</a>
Art After Hours: Move with Bedelia and Jeremy Lowrenčev <a href="https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/events/art-after-hours-move-bjl/">https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/events/art-after-hours-move-bjl/</a>
Music Sample: BATTS &ndash; Hold Out &nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.battsmusic.com/">https://www.battsmusic.com/</a>
Any feedback or requests for 2025 please contact Anthea at antheawilliamsnet@gmail.com

The Apothetae Theater

Join presenters Anthea Williams and Liz Cooper for discussions with artists and arts workers from across the creative spectrum for entertaining, enlightening and provocative discussions about art, culture and disability.

Each program we examine a specific topic, bringing in guests to unpack that topic in creative and surprising ways, while discussing their work and arts practices. The program also includes a round-up of relevant news and events. So switch on and transform your understanding of art, culture and creativity. Activated Arts is produced in association with Accessible Arts, NSW’s peak arts and disability organisation.

Join presenters Anthea Williams and Liz Cooper for discussions with artists and arts workers from across the creative spectrum for entertaining, enlightening and provocative discussions about art, culture and disability.
Each program we examine a specific topic, bringing in guests to unpack that topic in creative and surprising ways, while discussing their work and arts practices. The program also includes a round-up of relevant news and events. So switch on and transform your understanding of art, culture and creativity. Activated Arts is produced in association with Accessible Arts, NSW&rsquo;s peak arts and disability organisation.

Sideshow

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