"I want to prove that people with Down syndrome can do anything." That's Lily Harper's mission. She's an award winning actor from Palmerston North who's starring in Up Down Girl, directed by Nathan Mudge. They've adapted it from British writer Sue Shield's play Up Down Boy. Lily's version tells the story of 19 year old Mattie as she prepares to move out of home for the first time. The 'Best Emerging Actor' at last year's Central Regional Theatre Awards dreams of touring the play around the country, and is starting with Wellington. Ultimately she wants the cast of Shortland Street to come see it, not only as a devoted fan of the TV series but because it was a hurtful scene from the show that made her determined to challenge stereotypes surrounding the condition. Lynn Freeman talks with Lily and with director Nathan Mudge. Up down girl opens at Wellington's Circa Theatre on the 20th of April.