EP 8: Cripping Shakespeare

In this episode, co-host Hope Van Der Merwe speaks with three disabled artists about Cripping Shakespeare, inequities faced by disabled actors in the Canadian theatre industry, and how to create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible rehearsal spaces for disabled artists. This episode highlights how important it is to invest in disabled artists and disabled artist-lead works as we strive to build an industry where everyone – regardless of disability and ability – is celebrated.

This episode features conversations with Faith Andrew, Rachel Arnold, and Debbie Patterson.

Episode 8 ⁠ASL translation⁠ courtesy of Dawn Jani Birley. ASL interpretation by Dawn Jani Birley, Robert Haughton, and Alice Lo.

Here are some links to things discussed in the episode and some suggestions for further reading:

Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR)

Sick + Twisted Theatre

Debbie Patterson as Richard III

Arthur Hughes as Richard III

Colm Feore as Richard III

Inclusion: Deaf, disability and Mad arts, the gathering at the NAC in 2016 which Debbie talks about