Another Step | Speaking to Experts in Inclusivity & the Performing Arts

Convergence had its first workshop with Chickenshed, a pioneering and inclusive company that focuses on creating accessible theatre-related events based in London.



This hour-long meeting with Dave Carey, one of the company’s Senior Creative Producers, was a space for us to learn about what type of inclusive frameworks other theatrical spaces have implemented in order to make the work they create as accessible as possible.



One particular point that was brought up by Dave that will be of particular importance down the line was tackling the needs of differently abled people on a case by case basis; being mindful of the challenges they might face with conventional theatrical practice, orienting them towards the individual. During our conversation with Chickenshed, we also tackled the different levels of accessibility that the theatre must be aware of when working with diversely abled people. It was wonderful to see Chickenshed’s perspective on inclusive practice in the performing arts.



The meeting filled the theatre’s team with even more enthusiasm to learn more about how we can make the theatre and its programme more accessible and inclusive. Following our meeting with Chickenshed, we also met up with a local Maltese organisation called Opening Doors which focuses on inclusive practice and output in the performing arts.



During our workshop with their Artistic Director, Ilona Baldacchino, we continued to build upon our conversation with Chickenshed and gained more insight into the local perspective of accessibility in the performing arts.

 

This project is part of the IETM Local Journeys for Change activity which is supported by The European Union as part of the IETM Network Grant 2022-2024 NIPA: The New International in the Performing Arts.