In Our Shoes - Writing better disabled characters
The number of deaf and disabled characters portrayed in all media is still very small - such is the experience of two disabled actors based in Manchester, Ali Briggs (Coronation Street) and Cherylee Houston (I'm with Stupid).
And those parts that do exist are too often ones that are defined and limited by their disabilities.
That's why their organisation, Big House Theatre Company (BHTC), is working in partnership with North West Playwrights on a project called 'In Our Shoes', funded by Arts Council England NW. The aim of 'In Our Shoes' is to develop a workshop format that will provide professional writers with the tools to generate more, and more rounded, disabled characters.
BHTC believe that writers are the ones with the power to change this situation, because they are the starting point of the process. They also believe that many writers are unaware of the potential to create interesting and compelling characters with disabilities, or feel tentative about dealing with deaf and disabled characters for fear of causing offence.
A writers forum took place in November 2006 from which the final workshop package will be developed. BHTC will use the results of the forum to identify what concerns, issues or obstacles the writers face. The workshop will be tailored to match their needs.
They are seeking other interested individuals and organisations who share their commitment to better representation of deaf and disabled people in the media. The aim is to form partnerships to open up BHTC's work to producers and directors and have some influence to affect change.
For more information, please contact Cherylee Houston.