ABSTRACT
The voices of learning-disabled theatre makers are not generally represented in the academic discourse on disability and performance. Using the example of Different Light Theatre in Christchurch, NZ, a company which has been travelling to overseas festivals and conferences in Australia, the USA, and the UK for more than 15 years, Tony McCaffrey questions how non-disabled allies can position themselves to ‘listen learning-disabled artists into speech’. How is it possible for theatre to afford learning-disabled artists the rigour of artistic challenge whilst still ensuring there is sufficient care and support for the next stage of their journey?
