Disabling Dramaturgy: Opening Performance Research Seminar

How do you open performance to a broader audience?  Why don’t we see more diverse sensory and physical abilities on stage?

In conversation with two of London’s most innovative dramaturges, this discussion will explore some of the ways performance makers are opening theatre and dance to underserved audiences and underused performers.  

This event is a co-production between the Central School of Speech & Drama and the Dramaturgs’ Network.  The open exchange will be focused on the practical solutions, diverse experiences and the reflections of artists who have dedicated themselves to making performance more inclusive.  The title of the session ‘Disabling Dramaturgy’ refers to the ways that performance makers inadvertently disable patrons and performers, and limit access to their work.  The first part of the event will be a facilitated conversation, followed by an extended Q&A with the audience.

Panellists include:

Carissa Hope Lynch is an interdisciplinary theatre artist from Manila by way of San Francisco specialising in dramaturgy, direction and drama facilitation. Her photo essay The Bal Basera Project was recently published in RiDE, and she is co-writing a book chapter with Jenny Sealey for Identity, Performance and Technology.   Carissa is currently the New Works and Literary Officer for Graeae Theatre Company. 

Luke Pell has been given assorted names to wear over the years - producer, director, manager, strategist, educator, lecturer, tutor, teacher, dramaturg, designer, poet, artist - what remains distinct with each encounter has to do with noticing threads that weave between people and place, communities and environment.  Luke is a performance maker and facilitator, alongside his work with Candoco as Head of Learning & Development.

Mark Swetz will facilitate the conversation.  Mark is the co-director of Compañía Y in Madrid and London and is currently investigating Blind Spectatorship as part of a practice based PhD at Central.

The seminar is free but booking is essential.  When reserving your place, please indicate if you have any access requirements the organisers should be aware of.  To reserve a place go to Disabling Dramaturgy.