Working with access and inclusion in the arts is the opposite of isolating. It's about building connections and fostering curiosity about others - And we have to be in on it together, across all levels of our field.
What if we approached all performances for young audiences as relaxed performances?
As a theatre maker and performer, my creative drive stems from a deep passion for fostering connection. I believe in making work that allows people to be in each other’s presence, bridging differences in language, physical appearance, cultural background, or number of chromosomes. Working with access and inclusion in the arts is the opposite of isolating. It’s about building connections and fostering curiosity about others – And we have to be in on it together, across all levels of our field.
One good example of this is theatres and other venues having relaxed performances, from a variety of productions. The show is the same as any night, but there might also be more light in the space, more audience hosts, signs and pictograms, and it’s ok to make the sounds you need to make, go out and come back in. It’s truly exciting to witness the growing commitment to relaxed performances across our sector. This fantastic initiative is opening doors for many, and we celebrate every theatre, company, and venue making these vital changes. Yet, a truly inspiring idea recently crossed my path, shifting my perspective in the most brilliant way.
My colleague and I recently had the privilege of attending the INAF festival organized by ASSITEJ Norway where, over coffee in the sun, we connected with an inspiring artistic director from a major theatre institution. Our conversation naturally turned to the topic of relaxed performances, and the director shared that their theatre had been integrating them into all their productions for a long time – a wonderful commitment. However, the director then revealed that they had recently started posing a new, profound question to themselves: What if we approached all performances for young audiences as relaxed performances? This simple yet revolutionary concept challenges us to envision a future where universal access isn’t an add-on, but the very foundation of performing arts for young people. Or just performing arts.
