Part of International Disability Pride & Power Month 2023
Theatre-making can be very exclusionary to disabled people. Raised stages without ramp access, small-print wordy scripts, long hours of physically demanding work… But it doesn’t have to be.
Donal O’Kelly and Isolde Ó Brolcháin Carmody have collaborated from 2014 to create theatre that worked for them. During the process, they developed techniques that arose from Isolde’s specific access needs, but became integral aesthetic elements to the final piece. By embracing the need to do things differently, they wound up innovating form and presentation of theatre.
In this workshop, Isolde and Donal will bring participants through tools and approaches for building theatre around the disabled body-mind. Their approach centres the unique creative potential of each person’s living experience, bringing self-compassion, practicality and sustainable practices to the fore.
In essence, we will join together in making space available for theatrical expression, in a relaxed-but-focused and freed-up way.
Accessibility Information:
The workshop is scheduled to take place from 2pm to 5pm / 14:00 – 17:00 on Sunday 16th July. A half-hour break is scheduled from 3.15 to 3.45 / 15:15 – 15:45.
- Participants are encouraged to take breaks whenever they need to.
- The Green Room at the Dock will be available as a quiet space with hot drinks and snacks to hand.
- Participants are also welcome to sit, stand, or lie to the side of the workshop space if they want to rest physically but continue to listen in to the rest of the group. There will be cushions and blankets available for comfort.
- Facilities for drinks and snacks will be audibly described using red “Talking Tins” devices. These are round, plastic devices with textured buttons playing pre-recorded information. They will be placed along a counter-top in the Green Room. Please ask for sighted assistance if you need orientation.
- The workshop space has a functioning loop system.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible, with ramps to the main entrance and automatic doors.
- The workshop space, a black-box theatre, is on the ground floor of the venue.
- The workshop space is large and well-ventilated, and participants are encouraged to wear masks to facilitate immuno-compromised participants.
- Please do not use chemical fragrances or deodorants, as these can be toxic to some individuals.
- There is one medium-sized accessible toilet on the same floor as the workshop space.
- There will be several volunteers available to work as on-site assistants. They will greet you as you enter the building so you know who to ask for help.
For enquiries about accessibility and to request assistance, please contact Lara Byrne:
Telephone: 071 965 0828.
Email: lara.byrne@leitrimcoco.ie
