The Machine - 19th January

Going back to using more improvisation work, we experimented with creating a machine based around misconceptions around mental health. This led to a discussion regarding society and its beliefs around disability. One performer drew attention to people’s attitudes towards disabled people with references to why disabled people are not often considered for job opportunities. Another performer believes that it is down to lack of understanding that society do not seem to admit.

These elements becomes part of the reason that disabled people are discouraged from pursuing dream careers which is unfair as their passion is what keeps them going. The discussion moved onto what we can do as theatre makers to portray that understanding through the medium of physical performance and ensure that the audience recieves and understands the experience of feeling, as well as establishing that connection between performer and audience member.