In this newsletter we look at the unique aesthetic of the work of some disabled artists, and how this is influencing wider arts practice.

Actor, comedian and disability rights activist, Liz Carr talks about her Unlimited-commissioned theatre production, Assisted Suicide the Musical. This ‘TED Talk with show tunes’ explores the serious issue of assisted suicide but through the glitz and mischief of a modern musical. Carr uses that musical form as a metaphor for the ‘clap-along’ nature of the assisted suicide debate. Click here for Liz Carr's artist profile on Disability Arts International.

Watch the Liz Carr film here

Click here for a text-based audio description of the Liz Carr film

Arts journalist, Bella Todd reflects on the recent Crossing the Line Festival in Roubaix, France. It brought together three of Europe's leading learning disability theatre companies for a series of performances and provocations. 

Artistic Director of Manchester International Festival, John McGrath speaks to Disability Arts International about the disabled artists who have influenced his ways of working and the wider arts ecology with their unique aesthetics and perspectives. He also shares his ambitions for the festival going forward.

Carousel is a learning disability led arts organisation that hosts a biennial film festival called Oska Bright. Its producer, Lizzie Banks reflects on her team’s recent trip to Clermont-Ferrand, Europe’s leading short film showcase and festival, finding a healthy interest for their work and an insatiable appetite for short film.

Lorca's classic text, The House of Bernarda Alba gets a transgressive reinterpretation in a co-production between Graeae Theatre Company and Royal Exchange Theatre, which played in Manchester throughout February. Mandy Redvers-Rowe blogs about the process of devising the audio description for the show.

Arts and equalities journalist Paul F Cockburn asks how the consideration of accessibility has influenced the aesthetics of disability theatre and performance, speaking to Jenny Sealey, Artistic Director of Graeae Theatre Company and Garry Robson, co-Artistic Director of Birds of Paradise Theatre Company about their experiences.

Established in 1998, Swiss integrated dance company, BewegGrund works with both local and international choreographers, runs workshops and hosts a biennial festival. 

Do you know a disabled artist, disability-led or inclusive company ready for international touring? 

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