Good NewsAdults with learning disabilities perform at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
[Representation and visibility of people with disabilities is important and affects how they are seen in the world, members of Blue Apple Theatre Company say./Twitter]
Getting a gig at London’s legendary Globe Theatre is an honour for any actor. For the members of the Blue Apple Theatre Company, reciting Shakespeare in such an iconic setting is also a huge accomplishment in terms of breaking down stereotypes.
Since its beginnings in 2005, Blue Apple Theatre has welcomed aspiring actors living with autism and Down Syndrome. The group provides acting lessons and has full confidence in their abilities.
Late last month, the Winchester, England-based group took to the theatre where many of the Bard’s plays were staged in an event that was held to mark Blue Apple’s 10th birthday, according to The Mighty.
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For some of Blue Apple’s actors, performing Shakespeare has allowed them to burst through stereotypes associated with learning disabilities.
“Not being treated fairly enough and just looked at like an outsider that can’t really do anything, even long speeches,” actor James Benfield told Channel 4 News about his experiences before joining the group.
“In this you’re given a fair chance, then they will not know what you, you the individual, can do by sending out such a powerful message.”
Lawrie Morris, another of Blue Apple’s members, says representation of disabilities is extremely important.
“I think people out there in the world need to see that people are capable of doing Shakespeare, even with a learning disability like we’ve got,” Morris told Channel 4.
The performance also came at a time when debate about funding for those living with disabilities was rampant.
Last month, British MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced cuts to disability benefits, which would affect the lives of thousands of U.K. citizens living with disabilities.
