While the Stage section here at Buzz can bring you previews and reviews of theatre happening right now, it’s also a chance to reflect on the companies that make theatre happen in Wales. And with Wales Theatre Awards throwing the spotlight on our best and brightest companies and theatre makers, it’s a good time to mix in some profiles of companies you may not know, but really should be checking out.
This week, Taking Flight Theatre. Winning a Wales Theatre Award for ‘Best Ensemble’ for last summer’s The Winter’s Tale this recognition really reflects the company’s ethos which is ‘to work with groups of people who have traditionally been under-represented in theatre, film and television.’ This in a nutshell means inclusive theatre, but Taking Flight are passionate about this not being simply lip-service inclusivity measures, but truly accessible performance, and the inclusion of a range of performers who have disabilities.
What the company also do is show that inclusive theatre isn’t a barrier to creativity, in fact it’s a catalyst. With the award winning Winter’s Tale, Taking Flight took their annual tour around Wales. Performing at a range of outdoor venues including against the backdrop of some wonderful CADW properties, and beautiful scenery. The production was typically innovative-with a jazz club backdrop and travelling around the outdoor site, taking the audience along for the ride.
Annual summer Shakespeare, performed outdoors, is always ‘relaxed’, allowing those with additional needs to join in with theatre in ways they might not always be able to. The company provides sign language interpretation, and audio description, and seeks to employ actors who, because of disabilities, may find themselves not included in many other companies’ work.
These outdoor summer performances are just one element of Taking Flight’s work. They work with schools and community groups, creating workshops and work that challenges prejudices, and integrates disabled performers into work about their experience. Another award winning artist, playwright Matthew Bulgo, teamed up with Taking Flight to create Real Human Being, a day long theatre forum designed to educate young people about the effects of disability. This is one that a lot of ‘grown up’ audiences could also stand to learn a lot from.
These two arms of this unique company are adding diversity to Wales’ theatre scene by challenging theatres and audiences alike to embrace inclusivity and diversity, but also by providing creative, innovative and entertaining pieces of theatre. Taking Flight got the attention of Wales Theatre awards last weekend, next summer as this year’s Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet hits the road across Wales, perhaps it’s time for new audiences to give this company a try as well.
words EMILY GARSIDE