We were thrilled to have brought back Crips without Constraints Part 2 with five brand new plays, as we continued to celebrate the work and talent of Deaf and disabled artists in lockdown 2021.
Dame Harriet Walter, Mandy Colleran, Naomi Wirthner, Sharon D. Clarke and Julie Graham were amongst the cast to feature in the new short plays.
The bold and brilliant plays were written by five disabled writers, all alumni from Graeae’s Write to Play programme, covering topics from sibling rivalry to death by Post-it notes. Additionally, the pieces were all directed by upcoming disabled directors. Each play was released online every Tuesday at midday from 19 January until 16 February 2021, with all pieces captioned and audio described.
Combined with these plays, every Thursday from 21 January, Graeae also released a short, filmed conversation with Deaf artists in British Sign Language, discussing in more detail the themes from that weeks’ play.
Nickie Miles-Wildin, Graeae Associate Director says:
“It’s exciting that disabled writers are being given the platform they deserve. Such an eclectic mix of stories that have been creatively told using the digital world of online communication. Incredibly hyped and proud of the entire team, from writers and actors to directors and composer. Can’t wait to share it with the world.”
These plays are no longer available to watch online but please see below details of each play and vodcast.
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Week 1
How Do You Make a Cup of Tea? By Kellan Frankland
Starring Dame Harriet Walter and Mandy Colleran
Directed by Stephen Bailey
Audio Described and Captioned
Contains strong language
Find out a bit more about the writer of this weeks play.
BSL Vodcast
This week, actors Nadia Nadarajah and Sophie Stone discuss the topics raised in How Do You Make a Cup of Tea? By Kellan Frankland around casting and authenticity in theatre.
Voiceover by Ali Gordon and Vikki Gee Dare.
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Week 2
Flowers for the Chateau by Rebekah Bowsher
Starring Julie Graham and Naomi Wirthner
Directed by Hana Pascal Keegan
Audio Described and Captioned
Find out a bit more about the writer of this weeks play.
BSL Vodcast
This week, actor and theatre maker, Bea Webster and actor, writer, facilitator, EJ Raymond discuss the topics raised in Flowers for the Chateau by Rebekah Bowsher.
Voiceover by Ali Gordon and Jo Ross.
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Week 3
The Gift by Leanna Benjamin
Starring Sharon D.Clarke and Saida Ahmed
Directed by Cheryl Martin
Audio Described and Captioned
The Gift contains strong language, themes of sexual assault and abortion.
For support on the issues raised in this piece, the following organisations might be able to help:
Refuge: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
The Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org
The Survivors Trust: https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/
Find out a bit more about the writer of this weeks play.
BSL Vodcast
This week, Deepa Shastri and Ruth Montgomery discuss the topics raised in The Gift by Leanna Benjamin.
Voiceover by Jo Ross and Sandy Deo.
Content warning: The vodcast contains discussions about abortion.
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Week 4
Good Day Bad Day by Karen Featherstone
Starring Cherylee Houston
Directed by Alexandra Whiteley
Audio Described and Captioned
Contains some strong language.
Find out a bit more about the writer of this weeks play.
BLS Vodcast
This week, Rubbena Aurangzeb – Tariq and DL Williams discuss the topics raised in Good Day Bad Day by Karen Featherstone.
Voiceover by Rebekah Spencer and Suzy Evans.
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Week 5
Stuck With You by Jessica Lovett
Starring Sharon Duncan-Brewster and Alexandra James
Directed by Lilac Yosiphon
Audio Described and Captioned.
Stuck With You contains strong language.
Find out a bit more about the writer of this weeks play.
BSL Vodcast
This week, Jacqui Beckford and sister Yvonne Beckford discuss the topics raised in Stuck With You by Jessica Lovett.
Voiceover by Rebekah Spencer and Suzy Evans.
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