A Derry theatre company is preparing for its 'emotional' and 'unique' show which has an important message about disability.
For Stage Beyond, their upcoming show of ‘The Great Dictator’ at the Millennium Forum on June 15 could not come soon enough.
Stage Beyond is a theatre company for adults with learning disabilities based in Derry, supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
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Working with visiting director, Kate Guelke, the award-winning company is tackling the Charlie Chaplin masterpiece in a truly unique production combining slapstick humour with a serious subject close to their hearts.
Stage Beyond is back in action to shine a light on how people with disabilities and learning difficulties have been persecuted in the past.
Based on Chaplin’s 1940 satirical film, Stage Beyond interrogates what happens when society treats disability like a crime.
Gilly Campbell, Head of Community Arts and Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “We are proud to support Stage Beyond, a company that provides valuable opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to participate in theatre, make friends and increase their self-esteem.
"They overcame the challenges faced during Covid-19 restrictions to embark on this latest theatrical milestone for the company and I look forward to seeing the energy, commitment, and creativity that they will bring to the Millennium Forum."
Kate Guelke, Visiting Director at Stage Beyond for ‘The Great Dictator’, said: “Stage Beyond has a huge natural affinity with comedy. Chaplin's masterpiece - combining slapstick humour with a serious subject - seemed the obvious choice for our new production.
"Many members of the company are very politically engaged, especially when it comes to disability rights activism. We wanted to shine a light on how people with disabilities and learning difficulties have been persecuted in the past.
"This company is doing some really important work, their commitment and interest in the subject matter and the bravery to face it head-on has been extraordinary. This is a truly unique theatrical event and I hope the audience will laugh, cry, cheer and feel as much as we have in rehearsal!”
Bernie Shiels, Chair of the Board of Stage Beyond and one of the original members who is also performing in ‘The Great Dictator’, said she was immensely proud of the company in rising to their latest theatrical challenge.
She said: “It is important for us not to shy away from the reality of what happened to people like us in the past.
"It has been quite an emotional process at times but there is a good mix of comedy and positive overall message that as people with learning disabilities, we are all part of society just like everybody else.”
Dee Conaghan, Artistic Director of Stage Beyond, said she was prouder than ever of the company members in taking on such a challenging and confronting production.
Dee said: “It is an absolute joy for us to work with talented and committed company members who embrace new material with such enthusiasm while supporting each other and also having fun, which is the central ethos of Stage Beyond.”
The performance takes place at the Millennium Forum, on Wednesday June 15 2022 at 7.30pm. Tickets can be booked here.
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