A battle for a brave new world. (1st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sealey, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Public. Volume 27:Number 53(2016)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2016-06-01
• Subjects: Art, Modern -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Periodicals; Art -- Exhibitions -- Periodicals; Aesthetics -- Periodicals; Art -- Periodicals; 705
• DOI: 10.1386/public.27.53.90_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0845-4450

Abstract

In this reflective article and provocative play, the author draws first on her experience as Co-Artistic Director of the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony. She charts the challenges, opportunities and optimism that shaped the lead-up to the event. She also highlights key aspects of the Ceremony's personal, artistic and political successes. These moments serve as sharp contrast, however, to the shock experienced by many disabled UK citizens in response to the government cuts to the Access to Work and Independent Living Fund that followed the Games. To share the impact of these cuts on disabled people's lives, the articlechanges tack to include the script for a new piece of verbatim theatre, Sorry. The play assembles responses to the author's call out to the Disability Arts community asking for stories about the cuts or their lives as artists. It has been performed in various universities, colleges, arts establishments and political platforms.