INTERACTING & FOCUS 2000 The World in Focus_The Naughty Corner Revisited

The public performance works from Interacting contradict and challenge the norms of the able community that stigmatise disabled people and regard them as not like 'us'. Telling stories offers the possibility of an immediate relationship between disabled people and their audience, the paradox emerges for the audience with the eloquence and grace with which their voice is offered. Whether the audience then takes notice, reflects and acts differently toward disabled people is an emerging area of promise.

The World in Focus
This show is an intensely vibrant journey through tears and joy, humour and laughter, wonderful paintings and rousing songs. The theatre piece melds art work done at Spark Studio with original music and peoples own stories and experiences. The whole process, from early discussions, through music practices and flying dance lessons has been documented in a 15-minute film that precedes the show and provides fascinating watching.

The Naughty Corner Revisited
Kingseat, Carrington, St Johns were all 'naughty corners' in their day. Places where people with an intellectual disability were sent before the advent of care in the community and more 'enlightened' times. The cast have all lived and worked through intellectual disabilities and use the play as a medium to speak about their experiences of growing up different in the shadow of the old institutions.