Interweaving Accessibility into Theatre Working with Disabled Creatives for Disabled Audiences as a Disabled Theatre Maker

Abstract

In these notes from the field, I explore how accessibility was built into the research, development and final performance for a theatre project on fibromyalgia. Approximately 50% of the cast and crew of this production had a disability (including some with fibromyalgia) and their accessibility needs were incorporated into the content, aesthetics and structure of the production. I explore how consent was approached in the project, given the pressures on disabled people to please in a rehearsal room so they will be included in the arts. I reflect on how the experience of the audience was designed to enabled disabled people to attend and interact with the project. Lastly, I interview a cast member/co-devisor from the project who is a disabled actor who offers her thoughts on the project and her experience of working as a disabled actor.