As part of this sharing project about D/deaf and/or disabled dance and theatre creatives we would like to introduce you to Ramps On The Moon. In a recent publication they described themselves thus:

“We are a critical movement striving for a step change in the inclusion and integration of D/Deaf and disabled individuals in the UK Theatre sector.

The six year project brings together a collaborative network of National Portfolio Organisation theatres including New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and strategic partner Graeae Theatre Company, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Nottingham Playhouse, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Sheffield Theatres. The network, which spans the country, includes theatres that are committed to offering opportunities to D/deaf and disabled artists at the centre of their programmes, to help the main streaming of disability arts and culture. See also Agents For Change.

The venues are committed to developing skills across their organisations I how to integrate D/deaf and disabled people into everything they do, and to tackle the current low levels of attendance by D/deaf and disabled audiences. D/deaf and disabled people are at the heart of this project; artists will be integrated into casts in a variety of ways such as using sign language, captioning and audio description; organisations will reach out and develop audiences in each area and beyond and build workforces to reflect the society around them.”

East Midlands Theatre fully support Ramps On The Moon and have been active in reviewing their recent shows Our Country’s Good, The Government Inspector and The Who’s Tommy.

This post is brought to you by East Midlands Theatre’s special project to raise awareness of events, practice and training for D/deaf and or /disabled creatives locally and UK countrywide. Please consider supporting this by making small, or even generous, donation by clicking on the banner below.

Phil Lowe.