Beyond disability: a dialogue with members of the Improbable Theatre Company

Abstract

The Improbable Theatre Company (ITC) was created by and for theatre artists with disabilities. Based on interviews of members from the company, we discuss tensions between the disability movement and arts professionals, the correlation between arts and politics within the disabled community, autonomy, advocacy, and control. We examine the challenges and opportunities that the theatre presents to participants and audiences. We conclude that through their work, members of ITC want their disabilities to become transparent while broadening the audience's understanding of living with a disability.

Keywords:

• disability
• disability theatre
• performance studies
• Improbable Theatre Company in Pheonix
• Arizona

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bonnie J. Eckard

Bonnie J. Eckard is professor of theatre at Arizona State University. She is a theatre director and acting teacher with specialisation in interdisciplinary performance and play development and has worked with the Improbable Theatre Company as a workshop leader

Wendy Myers

Wendy Myers has served on the Board of the Improbable Theatre Company and is a member of the Dramatist Guild of America. Her plays have been produced in Phoenix and Los Angeles. She was a founding member of the Actors Theater Writers Circle