Photo: RAWD
After 10 years of breaking down barriers in their communities, the disabled artists of RAWD () embark on their first national tour this April.
RAWD was established in 2012 by theatre director Graham Hicks, whose disabled daughter was unable to participate in plays despite it being her lifelong dream. He dedicated himself to opening his own classes every Wednesday evening to not only facilitate the inclusion of disabled performers in productions but also champion disabled perspectives in theatres and festivals across Merseyside.
'Super!', a vibrant ensemble production, was born out of a 16-week research and development project in hopes to reach diverse audiences. The hour-long show, packed with physicality, music, and visionary storytelling, offers a voyage of self-discovery in which disabled perspectives take the stage through the electrifying lens of superheroes.
The show follows schoolgirl Evie, who navigates her way to graduation at ‘superhero school’ in this half-coming-of-age, half-action-packed production. "It's as if The Breakfast Club were set in the Marvel or DC universes, but the superheroes were completely unknown to the audience,” says Alice Lapworth, RAWD’s creative director.
Evie's identity journey is unravelled through the viewpoints of four characters who are met with equally as challenging struggles. The audience can anticipate the appearances of High-five, a keen footballer who was never picked to play on the school team because of his large hands and the feisty and quick-witted Tricks, who channelled her struggle against curbs and stairs into competing in wheelchair championships.
Photo: RAWD
The show delivers audiences with an experience that will have their “jaws dropped and take their eyes on a field day”, says Alice. “RAWD has always tried to break that fourth wall between the actors and the audience so we encourage audience members to interact with the performances as freely as they would like,” she continues.
The first performances will take place in Chester's Garret Theatre from Thursday, April 27 to Friday, April 28. The venue has free parking, wheelchair access, accessible toilets, assistance dogs and hearing assistance if needed.
Ticket prices range from £5 to £11.50 and can now be booked online via the Storyhouse website.
Words by Anna Jafri
Opmerkingen