Learning disabled actors are discovering their WW1 history in a new theatre production from Headway Arts Theatre.
Hold Your Piece tells untold stories the lives of learning disabled people during The Great War 1914-1918.
The learning disabled artists at Headway Arts and are using their
training as researchers and devisers.
Disabled actor Tim Longrigg who will perform in the show said ‘I’m proud and delighted to have the chance to be involved in this ground breaking inclusive project. It’s a challenge – but I’m ready for it’
The performance is set in the summer of 1919 during preparations for a ‘Peace Tea’ garden party. And Hold Your Piece Peace tells a thought provoking tale of the impact of the Great War on the lives and loves of the residents of The Orchards and tells the untold stories of the lives of learning disabled people during the Great War.
Creative Director Allie Walton-Robson said “We’ve put together a diverse and awesomely talented team together to do this pioneering work – the cast of 5 includes 4 learning disabled actors – and we are aiming to both question attitudes to learning disabled people and to highlight their abilities through the telling of this history.”
Arts Council England supported company- Headway Arts are a multi award-winning arts company based in Blyth, Northumberland, who since 1995 have made authentic, inspiring and meaningful work through their high quality inclusive working methods.
Robson added It’s a serious subject that we promise to treat with dignity, to both move and entertain our
audience. ”
Queen’s Hall Arts, Hexham is supporting the development of the piece through a residency at Queen’s Hall and the national leg of the tour will open there.
Hold Your Peace is at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham on Tuesday 10 July at 7.30pm.
For information and to book click here
Gemma's Journey 