The Simbiòtic Festival is a multidisciplinary festival of accessible performing arts that aims to promote the inclusion of disabled people on stage and in the stalls with a contemporary program which is accessible to all audiences.
In November the festival celebrates its fourth edition with the motto It is only theatre if it is for everyone. The British Council is inviting three key figures of the performing arts in the United Kingdom to participate in conversations about the incorporation of good practices for inclusion and accessibility in culture.
PROFESSIONAL DAYS
Talks and workshops will take place throughout the morning of the 29th November with the three British speakers to discuss accessibility and social inclusion in the arts from different points of view.
Katie O'Reilly Renowned writer, theater director and deaf playwright born in Wales, who has received great recognition for her work in the field of literature, culture and art. She is an essential figure in the vindication and struggle of the rights of people with disability.
Sara Beer Actress and Welsh cultural agent, who is very committed to the support and visibility of people with disability. She combines her projects as an actress and is very involved in her work for Disability Arts Cymru, a national organization run by people with disabilities that supports people with disabilities to interact with the arts.
Jo Verrent Executive producer of the “Unlimited” program (creation support program for artists with disabilities) and also directs SYNC, a program of interaction between disability and leadership in the cultural sector, and has led a number of international projects.
More information about the professional conference here
You can sign up until the 25th November here.
ON STAGE:
In Richard Redux or Sara Beer (is / not) Richard III, Sara Beer, an actress with severe scoliosis, has humourous take on the interpretations that great actors of the stage have given of Ricardo III simulating different disabilities and deformities in their bodies. This is the starting point of a monologue written by playwright Katie O'Reilly, who is also participating in the talks and workshops organised by the festival.
More information here.
This edition of Simbiòtic will show once again that diversity is the perfect means to create quality accessible performing arts by making a barrier-free stage a reality.