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{{Short description|British organisation}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2010}}
⚫
'''Graeae Theatre Company''', often abbreviated to '''Graeae''' (pronounced "grey-eye"), is a British organisation composed of deaf and disabled artists and theatre makers. As well as producing theatre which it tours nationally and internationally to traditional theatres and outdoor spaces, Graeae run a large and varied Creative Learning and training programme for emerging, young and mid-career deaf and disabled artists.


Graeae was founded in 1980<ref>{{Cite web |title=The NDACA Timeline |url=https://the-ndaca.org/the-story/the-ndaca-timeline/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=National Disability Arts Collection & Archive |language=en-US}}</ref> by [[Nabil Shaban]], a disabled actor, writer and director,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nabil Shaban |url=https://the-ndaca.org/the-people/nabil-shaban/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=National Disability Arts Collection & Archive |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nabil Shaban {{!}} Actor, Writer, Director |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0787048/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> and Richard Tomlinson, a life-long disability advocate.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Astbury |first=Brian |date=2006-09-06 |title=Richard Tomlinson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/sep/07/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries |access-date=2024-04-10 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The two met at Herewood College for the Disabled, were Shaban was a student and Tomlinson was a lecturer with a passion for the arts.<ref name=":2" /> They named their company after the [[Graeae]] of [[Greek mythology]]. In 1981 the company was offered the use of an office, rehearsal space and facilities for 18 months by the West End Centre, an Arts Centre in [[Aldershot]] in [[Hampshire]]. During that year, the Company became eligible to receive full funding from the [[Arts Council of Great Britain]].<ref name="Wood">{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Alex |title=Graeae announces new initiative |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/graeae-initiative-deaf-disabled-artists_52020.html |access-date=11 June 2021 |work=WhatsOnStage |date=21 July 2020}}</ref> Graeae are currently a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023-26 Investment Programme: Data |url=https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/how-we-invest-public-money/2023-26-Investment-Programme/2023-26-investment-programme-data |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Arts Council England |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
'''Graeae Theatre Company''', often abbreviated to just '''Graeae''' (pronounced "grey-eye") is a [[United Kingdom|British]] organisation composed of D/deaf and disabled artists and theatre makers. As well as producing theatre which it tours nationally and internationally to traditional theatres and outdoor spaces, Graeae run a large and varied Creative Learning and training programme for emerging, young and mid-career D/deaf and disabled artists.


During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], while live theatres were closed in the UK, the company produced two series of short video plays written by disabled artists entitled ''Crips Without Constraints''. The first series were monologues while the second series were two-person plays.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Akbar |first1=Arifa |title=Crips Without Constraints review – five duos deliver sharp satire and tender drama |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/feb/18/crips-without-constraints-review-five-duos-harriet-walter-graeae-cheylee-houston-sharon-d-clarke |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=18 February 2021}}</ref> In March 2021, the company announced that an archival recording of their 2017 co-production of ''[[The House of Bernarda Alba]]'' with the [[Royal Exchange Theatre]] would be made available online for a limited time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Graeae Re-Releases THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA For Women's History Month |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/Graeae-Re-Releases-THE-HOUSE-OF-BERNARDA-ALBA-For-Womens-History-Month-20210317 |website=broadwayworld.com |publisher=[[BroadwayWorld]] |access-date=18 March 2021 |date=17 March 2021}}</ref>
Graeae was founded in 1980 by [[Nabil Shaban]] and Richard Tomlinson, who named the company after the [[Graeae]] of [[Greek mythology]]. In 1981 the Company was offered the use of an office, rehearsal space and facilities for 18 months by the West End Centre, an Arts Centre in [[Aldershot]] in [[Hampshire]]. During that year, the Company became eligible to receive full funding from the [[Arts Council of Great Britain]].<ref>{{Cite web
|last = Shaban
|first = Nabil
|title = Early History of Graeae
|url = http://uk.geocities.com/jinghiz53/The_Beginning_of_Graeae.htm
|publisher = Self-published
|date = 6 July 2006
|accessdate = 12 September 2010
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20091026140922/http://uk.geocities.com/jinghiz53/The_Beginning_of_Graeae.htm
|archivedate = 2009-10-26
|deadurl = yes
|df =
}}</ref> Graeae are currently a National Portfoilo Organisation of Arts Council England.


== Jenny Sealey ==
Since 2009, Graeae have been based at the award-winning and fully accessible [https://graeae.org/about/space-hire/ Bradbury Studios] in [[Hoxton]], East London, in the [[London Borough of Hackney]].
[[Jenny Sealey]] MBE has been artistic director and CEO since 1997,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Jenny Sealey {{!}} A leader in the world of performing arts for people with disabilities The quest of Jenny Sealey {{!}} Performing Arts Network Japan |url=https://performingarts.jpf.go.jp/en/article/6779/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=The Japan Foundation Performing Arts Network Japan |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview – Jenny Sealey - Able Magazine |url=https://ablemagazine.co.uk/interview-jenny-sealey/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=ablemagazine.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Who We Are - Graeae |url=https://graeae.org/about/who-we-are/ |access-date=18 March 2021 |website=graeae.org}}</ref> and Amit Sharma joined as associate director in 2011. Sharma's first involvement with Graeae was as a participant on an actor training course, set up by Sealey,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview – Jenny Sealey - Able Magazine |url=https://ablemagazine.co.uk/interview-jenny-sealey/#:~:text=Jenny%20Sealey%20has%20been%20the,Raising',%20on%20the%20road. |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=ablemagazine.co.uk}}</ref> addressing the lack of deaf and disabled people in theatre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amit Sharma, Birmingham REP |url=https://birmingham.livingmag.co.uk/amit-sharma/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=birmingham.livingmag.co.uk}}</ref> Sealey began her career as a deaf actor but made the transition to directing after applying for a Trainee Director position with the company Interplay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neighbour |first=Flora |date=2022-04-01 |title=Graeae Theatre Company’s Jenny Sealey discusses upcoming productions |url=https://www.citymatters.london/graeae-theatre-companys-jenny-sealey-mbe-discusses-upcoming-productions/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=City Matters |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jenny Sealey MBE: The Journey of a Deaf Artist in the World of Disability Arts - Leftlion - Nottingham Culture |url=https://leftlion.co.uk/features/2019/03/jenny-sealey-mbe/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=leftlion.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> She was awarded an [[2009 New Year Honours|MBE in 2009]] for her work around disability in the arts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Year's Honours 2009: CSV - GOV.UK |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f12a8e5274a2e8ab49f17/NY_2009.csv/preview |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> She also co-directed the [[2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony|London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony]] alongside Bradley Hemmings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Artistic Director Appointed for London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony |url=https://www.paralympic.org/news/artistic-director-appointed-london-2012-paralympic-games-opening-ceremony |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=International Paralympic Committee |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rising to the challenge – interview with award winning artistic director Jenny Sealey about her solo show Self-Raising – Leeds Playhouse |url=https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/rising-to-the-challenge-interview-with-award-winning-artistic-director-jenny-sealey-about-her-solo-show-self-raising/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Nickie Miles-Wildin took over the role of associate director from Amit Sharma in 2019 and was a performer in the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nickie Miles-Wildin |url=https://unlimited.earth/team/nickie-miles-wildin/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Unlimited Theatre |language=en}}</ref>

In 1984 the Graeae Theatre Company won a Special Award in the [[Evening Standard Awards#Special Award|Evening Standard Awards]], and has since won numerous awards, including the Promotion of Diversity Award at the UK Theatre Awards 2012. It also won the [[Euan's Guide]] Most Accessible Production for [[Jack Thorne]]'s The Solid Life of Sugar Water at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

'''Jenny Sealey MBE''' has been Artistic Director and CEO since 1997, and '''Amit Sharma''' joined as Associate Director in 2011.


==Repertoire==
==Repertoire==
Actors who have appeared with the company include [[Arthur Hughes (actor)|Arthur Hughes]], [[Genevieve Barr]], Beth Hinton-Lever, John Kelly, Garry Robson, [[Cherylee Houston]], Nadia Albina, [[Melissa Johns]], [[Mat Fraser]], [[Laurence Clark (comedian)|Laurence Clark]] and [[Nabil Shaban]].
Actors who have appeared with the company include Nadia Albina, [[Genevieve Barr]], [[Laurence Clark (comedian)|Laurence Clark]], [[Mat Fraser (actor)|Mat Fraser]], Beth Hinton-Lever, [[Arthur Hughes (British actor)|Arthur Hughes]], [[Cherylee Houston]], Aaron Virdee, [[Melissa Johns]], John Kelly, Garry Robson, [[Nabil Shaban]] and [[Kiruna Stamell]].


Graeae has produced plays by [[Jack Thorne]], [[Sarah Kane]], Jackie Hagan, Jo Clifford, [[David Ireland (playwright)|David Ireland]], [[Kaite O'Reilly]], [[Federico García Lorca|Lorca]], [[Paul Sirett]], [[Glyn Cannon]] and [[Sam Boardman-Jacobs]].
Graeae has produced plays by [[Jack Thorne]], [[Sarah Kane]], Jackie Hagan, [[Jo Clifford]], [[David Ireland (playwright)|David Ireland]], [[Kaite O'Reilly]], [[Federico García Lorca|Lorca]], [[Paul Sirett]], [[Glyn Cannon]] and [[Sam Boardman-Jacobs]].


Graeae has performed at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe]], [[Birmingham Repertory Theatre]], [[Soho Theatre]], [[Theatre Royal Stratford East]], [[Traverse Theatre|Traverse Theatre Edinburgh]], [[Dundee Repertory Theatre|Dundee Rep]], [[Derby Theatre]] and [[Royal Exchange, Manchester|Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester]] amongst other notable theatres across the UK.
Graeae has performed at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe]], [[Birmingham Repertory Theatre]], [[Soho Theatre]], [[Theatre Royal Stratford East]], [[Traverse Theatre|Traverse Theatre Edinburgh]], [[Dundee Repertory Theatre|Dundee Rep]], [[Derby Theatre]] and [[Royal Exchange, Manchester|Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester]].


== Recent Productions for Radio ==
== Productions ==
In collaboration with Naked Productions Ltd, Graeae has produced the following radio drama adaptations in recent years, for BBC Radio 4


* ''Deck the Stalls''- 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xmas show dates announced |url=https://mikscarlet.com/xmas-show-dates-announced/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=mikscarlet.com}}</ref>
* [https://graeae.org/our-work/amy-dorrit/ Amy Dorrit], adapted by April de Angelis and Nicola Werenowska, based on the novel Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens (2018)
* ''The Limbless Knight - A Tale of Rights Reignited''- 2013<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-06-22 |title=The Limbless Knight - A Tale of Rights Reignited; The Fairytale Without End |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/mik-scarlet/the-limbless-knight-_b_3482747.html |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en}}</ref>
* [https://graeae.org/our-work/graeaes-midwich-cuckoos/ Graeae's Midwich Cuckoos], adapted by Roy Williams, based on the novel by John Wyndham (2017)
* ''Signs of a Diva''- 2014<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barry |first=Aoife |date=2014-02-16 |title=Breaking barriers: The deaf singer who signs songs like a diva |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/caroline-parker-signs-of-a-diva-1315796-Feb2014/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=TheJournal.ie |language=en}}</ref>
* ''The Threepenny Opera''- 2014<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hickling |first=Alfred |date=2014-02-25 |title=Graeae's The Threepenny Opera: 'it dissipates the fear of disability' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/feb/25/jenny-sealey-disabled-actors-graeae-threepenny-opera |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''Cosmic Scallies'' by Jackie Hagan- 2015<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gardner |first=Lyn |date=2017-08-07 |title=Cosmic Scallies review – oddball friends seek hope in Skelmersdale |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2017/aug/07/cosmic-scallies-review-northern-stage-summerhall-edinburgh |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''Graeae's The Rollettes Christmas Show''- 2016
* ''The Solid Life of Sugar Water'' by [[Jack Thorne]] - 2016<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clapp |first=Susannah |author-link=Susannah Clapp |date=2016-03-06 |title=The Solid Life of Sugar Water review – in bed with a catastrophe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/mar/06/the-solid-life-of-sugar-water-review-painful-domestic-drama |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>
* ''The Garden''- 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theatre review: The Garden at St Alfege Park, Greenwich |url=https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/garden |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=British Theatre Guide |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''Reasons To Be Cheerful'' by [[Paul Sirett]]- 201<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch Graeae's Reasons To Be Cheerful - Stratford East |url=https://www.stratfordeast.com/news/watch-graeaes-reasons-to-be-cheerful |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=www.stratfordeast.com |language=en}}</ref>
* ''The House of Bernarda Alba'' by Federico García Lorca- 2017<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hickling |first=Alfred |date=2017-02-08 |title=The House of Bernarda Alba review – Hunter is a domestic dictator in anti-fascist classic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2017/feb/08/the-house-of-bernarda-alba-review-kathryn-hunter-royal-exchange-manchester |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''Graeae's Midwich Cuckoos''- 2017
* ''Aruna and the Raging Sun-'' 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graeae: Aruna and the Raging Sun |url=https://disabilityarts.online/magazine/opinion/graeae-aruna-raging-sun/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Disability Arts Online |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Graeae's Ensemble 2018- Hurricane Protest Songs''- 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graeae Ensemble's 'Hurricane Protest Songs' hits the head and the heart with one swift punch |url=https://disabilityarts.online/magazine/opinion/graeae-ensembles-hurricane-protest-songs-hits-the-head-and-the-heart-with-one-swift-punch/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Disability Arts Online |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Courage Everywhere: And Others''- 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graeae and National Theatre present 'And Others' as part of the Courage Everywhere Festival, London |url=https://disabilityarts.online/events/courage-everywhere-and-others/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Disability Arts Online |language=en}}</ref>
* ''This Is Not For You''- 2018<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wyver |first=Kate |date=2018-07-02 |title=This Is Not for You review – a defiant cry from Britain's disabled veterans |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/jul/02/this-is-not-for-you-review-artillery-square-woolwich |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''Amy Dorrit''- 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graeae Theatre's 'Amy Dorrit' brings Dicken's story into contemporary times in an adaptation for radio |url=https://disabilityarts.online/magazine/opinion/graeae-theatres-amy-dorrit-brings-dickens-story-into-contemporary-times-in-an-adaptation-for-radio/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Disability Arts Online |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[Blasted]]'' by [[Sarah Kane]]- 2019<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hambrook |first=Colin |date=2019-02-08 |title=Sarah Kane revisited through Graeae and RADA's production of BLASTED |url=https://disabilityarts.online/blog/colin-h/sarah-kane-revisited-through-graeae-and-radas-production-of-blasted/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Disability Arts Online |language=en}}</ref>
* ''One Under''- 2019<ref>{{Cite news |last=Love |first=Catherine |date=2019-11-11 |title=One Under review – heartrendingly tender and enigmatic portrait of grief |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/nov/11/one-under-review-leeds-playhouse |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''Three Sisters Rewired'' by Polly Thomas and [[Jenny Sealey]]- 2019<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Three Sisters Rewired, Episode 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000cbtv |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''Bartholomew Abominations'' by Paul Sirett- 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Bartholomew Abominations |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000p603 |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''10 Nights'' by Shahid Iqbal Khan- 2021<ref>{{Cite news |last=Akbar |first=Arifa |date=2021-10-19 |title=10 Nights review – funny, soulful play hijacked by lack of drama |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/oct/19/10-nights-review-shahid-iqbal-khan |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''Night of the Living Flatpacks'' by Shahid Iqbal Khan, Michael Southan, Kathryn Golding, Anita Karla Kelly and Leanne Allen - 2021<ref>{{Cite web |title=Night of the Living Flatpacks – Naked Productions |url=http://nakedproductions.co.uk/index.php/project/night-of-the-living-flatpacks/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ''Kerbs'' by Michael Southan- 2022<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Mark |date=2022-03-03 |title=Kerbs review – tender comedy about the road to romance |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/mar/03/kerbs-review-belgrade-theatre-coventry |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''The Paradis Files''- 2022<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashley |first=Tim |date=2022-04-14 |title=The Paradis Files review – Graeae and Wallen breathe life into a woman of spirit and courage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/apr/14/the-paradis-files-review-queen-elizabeth-hall-london-graeae-errollyn-wallen |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ''This Woven O'' by Oliver Macdonald- 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=This Woven O - Live entertainment in Woolwich, Greenwich |url=https://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/whats-on/this-woven-o-p1776541 |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Visit Greenwich |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''The Chatterleys'' by Mike Kenny- 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The Chatterleys (Part 1) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hnyb |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''The Festival of Rights: work in progress''- 2023<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-25 |title=The Festival of Rights: Work in progress – Tower Hamlets CVS |url=https://thcvs.org.uk/events/the-festival-of-rights-work-in-progress/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''High Times and Dirty Monsters''- 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=High Times and Dirty Monsters {{!}} Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres |url=https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/high-times-and-dirty-monsters |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=www.everymanplayhouse.com |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Self Raising'' by Jenny Sealey - 2024<ref>{{Cite news |last=Akbar |first=Arifa |date=2023-08-10 |title=Self-Raising review – growing up Deaf in a family of secrets |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/aug/10/self-raising-review-growing-up-deaf-in-a-family-of-secrets |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


== Awards ==
Both the above productions were directed by Polly Thomas and Jenny Sealey.
In 1984 the Graeae Theatre Company won a Special Award in the [[Evening Standard Awards#Special Award|Evening Standard Awards]], and has since won numerous awards, including the Promotion of Diversity Award at the UK Theatre Awards 2012.<ref name="Ismene Brown">{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Ismene |date=29 October 2012 |title=There are more theatre-goers than football-goers |url=https://theartsdesk.com/dance/there-are-more-theatre-goers-football-goers-arts-awards-defiant |access-date=11 June 2021 |work=The Arts Desk}}</ref> It also won the [[Euan's Guide]] Most Accessible Production for [[Jack Thorne]]'s The Solid Life of Sugar Water at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<ref name="Stephenson">{{cite news |last1=Stephenson |first1=Alison |date=19 January 2016 |title=A beautifully evocative new play |url=https://www.tavistock-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=411647&headline=A%20beautifully%20evocative%20play&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2016 |access-date=11 June 2021 |work=Tavistock Times Gazette}}</ref>


==See also==
== Creative Learning & Training Programmes ==
⚫
{{Portal|Theatre}}
As well as producing work for the stage, Graeae runs a large and varied creative learning and training programme for young, early and mid-career artists. These programmes include
*[[Diorama Arts Cooperative]]

* [https://graeae.org/our-work/ensemble/ Ensemble], training young D/deaf and disabled theatre makers between the ages of 17-30
* [https://graeae.org/our-work/write-play-previous-years/ Write to Play], developing the skills of skills of D/deaf and disabled playwrights
* [https://graeae.org/our-work/dare-you/ Dare You], inclusive leadership training for the corporate sector
* [https://graeae.org/our-work/the-rollettes/ The Rollettes], Graeae's youth company aged 7-16, who typically perform once a year

In recent years, Graeae have also delivered training programmes with D/deaf and disabled artists internationally in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan and Sri Lanka.

== Other artistic projects ==
In 2018, [[Oberon Books]] published [https://graeae.org/r2bgraeae/ Reasons to be Graeae: A Work in Progress], a selection of essays and reflections by theatre makers and collaborators from Graeae's 38 year history. Edited by Jenny Sealey, contributors include Jack Thorne, Mat Fraser, Nabil Shaban, Kathryn Hunter, Jemima Dury and Maria Oshodi.

In 2017, for the new production of Reasons to be Cheerful, Graeae commissioned original Blockhead members [[Chaz Jankel]] and Derek Hussey along with regular company performer John Kelly, to write a new protest song. [https://graeae.org/our-work/cant-right-must-wrong/ If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong] was performed at the curtain call of all performances of the 2017 tour, and was recorded as a seperate track and released via Graeae's digital channels. It was also performed live on BBC Radio London.

In 2016, Graeae collaborated with the [https://centralillustration.com/ Central Illustration Agency] to produce a new collection of illustrative work entitled [https://graeae.org/our-work/reframing-the-myth/ Reframing the Myth]. This saw 38 illustrators paired with 38 D/deaf and disabled artists who had previously performed or collaborated with Graeae. This project culminated in an exhibition at [[The Guardian]] newspaper headquarters in Kings Cross, London in February 2016.


==References==
==References==
Line 59: Line 59:


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
*[https://graeae.org/ Graeae Theatre Company website]
⚫
{{Portal|Theatre|Disability}}

⚫
*[http://www.graeae.org/ Graeae Theatre Company website]
{{authority control}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091026140922/http://uk.geocities.com/jinghiz53/The_Beginning_of_Graeae.htm The Beginning of Graeae]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090804212954/http://www.britishcouncil.org/arts-acd-directory-graeae-theatre-company.htm Graeae Theatre Company] Information from the official [[British Council]] website


[[Category:Theatre companies in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Theatre companies in the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 11:53, 3 September 2024

Graeae Theatre Company, often abbreviated to Graeae (pronounced "grey-eye"), is a British organisation composed of deaf and disabled artists and theatre makers. As well as producing theatre which it tours nationally and internationally to traditional theatres and outdoor spaces, Graeae run a large and varied Creative Learning and training programme for emerging, young and mid-career deaf and disabled artists.

Graeae was founded in 1980[1] by Nabil Shaban, a disabled actor, writer and director,[2][3] and Richard Tomlinson, a life-long disability advocate.[4] The two met at Herewood College for the Disabled, were Shaban was a student and Tomlinson was a lecturer with a passion for the arts.[4] They named their company after the Graeae of Greek mythology. In 1981 the company was offered the use of an office, rehearsal space and facilities for 18 months by the West End Centre, an Arts Centre in Aldershot in Hampshire. During that year, the Company became eligible to receive full funding from the Arts Council of Great Britain.[5] Graeae are currently a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England.[6]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while live theatres were closed in the UK, the company produced two series of short video plays written by disabled artists entitled Crips Without Constraints. The first series were monologues while the second series were two-person plays.[7] In March 2021, the company announced that an archival recording of their 2017 co-production of The House of Bernarda Alba with the Royal Exchange Theatre would be made available online for a limited time.[8]

Jenny Sealey

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Jenny Sealey MBE has been artistic director and CEO since 1997,[9][10][11] and Amit Sharma joined as associate director in 2011. Sharma's first involvement with Graeae was as a participant on an actor training course, set up by Sealey,[12] addressing the lack of deaf and disabled people in theatre.[13] Sealey began her career as a deaf actor but made the transition to directing after applying for a Trainee Director position with the company Interplay.[14][15][9] She was awarded an MBE in 2009 for her work around disability in the arts.[16][9] She also co-directed the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony alongside Bradley Hemmings.[17][18][9] Nickie Miles-Wildin took over the role of associate director from Amit Sharma in 2019 and was a performer in the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony.[19]

Repertoire

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Actors who have appeared with the company include Nadia Albina, Genevieve Barr, Laurence Clark, Mat Fraser, Beth Hinton-Lever, Arthur Hughes, Cherylee Houston, Aaron Virdee, Melissa Johns, John Kelly, Garry Robson, Nabil Shaban and Kiruna Stamell.

Graeae has produced plays by Jack Thorne, Sarah Kane, Jackie Hagan, Jo Clifford, David Ireland, Kaite O'Reilly, Lorca, Paul Sirett, Glyn Cannon and Sam Boardman-Jacobs.

Graeae has performed at the National Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Soho Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Traverse Theatre Edinburgh, Dundee Rep, Derby Theatre and Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester.

Productions

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  • Deck the Stalls- 2013[20]
  • The Limbless Knight - A Tale of Rights Reignited- 2013[21]
  • Signs of a Diva- 2014[22]
  • The Threepenny Opera- 2014[23]
  • Cosmic Scallies by Jackie Hagan- 2015[24]
  • Graeae's The Rollettes Christmas Show- 2016
  • The Solid Life of Sugar Water by Jack Thorne - 2016[25]
  • The Garden- 2016[26]
  • Reasons To Be Cheerful by Paul Sirett- 201[27]
  • The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca- 2017[28]
  • Graeae's Midwich Cuckoos- 2017
  • Aruna and the Raging Sun- 2018[29]
  • Graeae's Ensemble 2018- Hurricane Protest Songs- 2018[30]
  • Courage Everywhere: And Others- 2018[31]
  • This Is Not For You- 2018[32]
  • Amy Dorrit- 2018[33]
  • Blasted by Sarah Kane- 2019[34]
  • One Under- 2019[35]
  • Three Sisters Rewired by Polly Thomas and Jenny Sealey- 2019[36]
  • Bartholomew Abominations by Paul Sirett- 2020[37]
  • 10 Nights by Shahid Iqbal Khan- 2021[38]
  • Night of the Living Flatpacks by Shahid Iqbal Khan, Michael Southan, Kathryn Golding, Anita Karla Kelly and Leanne Allen - 2021[39]
  • Kerbs by Michael Southan- 2022[40]
  • The Paradis Files- 2022[41]
  • This Woven O by Oliver Macdonald- 2022[42]
  • The Chatterleys by Mike Kenny- 2023[43]
  • The Festival of Rights: work in progress- 2023[44]
  • High Times and Dirty Monsters- 2023[45]
  • Self Raising by Jenny Sealey - 2024[46]

Awards

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In 1984 the Graeae Theatre Company won a Special Award in the Evening Standard Awards, and has since won numerous awards, including the Promotion of Diversity Award at the UK Theatre Awards 2012.[47] It also won the Euan's Guide Most Accessible Production for Jack Thorne's The Solid Life of Sugar Water at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.[48]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The NDACA Timeline". National Disability Arts Collection & Archive. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  2. ^ "Nabil Shaban". National Disability Arts Collection & Archive. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  3. ^ "Nabil Shaban | Actor, Writer, Director". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  4. ^ a b Astbury, Brian (2006-09-06). "Richard Tomlinson". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  5. ^ Wood, Alex (21 July 2020). "Graeae announces new initiative". WhatsOnStage. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  6. ^ "2023-26 Investment Programme: Data". Arts Council England. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  7. ^ Akbar, Arifa (18 February 2021). "Crips Without Constraints review – five duos deliver sharp satire and tender drama". The Guardian.
  8. ^ "Graeae Re-Releases THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA For Women's History Month". broadwayworld.com. BroadwayWorld. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  9. ^ a b c d "Jenny Sealey | A leader in the world of performing arts for people with disabilities The quest of Jenny Sealey | Performing Arts Network Japan". The Japan Foundation Performing Arts Network Japan. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  10. ^ "Interview – Jenny Sealey - Able Magazine". ablemagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  11. ^ "Who We Are - Graeae". graeae.org. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  12. ^ "Interview – Jenny Sealey - Able Magazine". ablemagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  13. ^ "Amit Sharma, Birmingham REP". birmingham.livingmag.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  14. ^ Neighbour, Flora (2022-04-01). "Graeae Theatre Company's Jenny Sealey discusses upcoming productions". City Matters. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  15. ^ "Jenny Sealey MBE: The Journey of a Deaf Artist in the World of Disability Arts - Leftlion - Nottingham Culture". leftlion.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  16. ^ "New Year's Honours 2009: CSV - GOV.UK". assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  17. ^ "Artistic Director Appointed for London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  18. ^ "Rising to the challenge – interview with award winning artistic director Jenny Sealey about her solo show Self-Raising – Leeds Playhouse". Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  19. ^ "Nickie Miles-Wildin". Unlimited Theatre. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  20. ^ "Xmas show dates announced". mikscarlet.com. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  21. ^ "The Limbless Knight - A Tale of Rights Reignited; The Fairytale Without End". HuffPost UK. 2013-06-22. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  22. ^ Barry, Aoife (2014-02-16). "Breaking barriers: The deaf singer who signs songs like a diva". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  23. ^ Hickling, Alfred (2014-02-25). "Graeae's The Threepenny Opera: 'it dissipates the fear of disability'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  24. ^ Gardner, Lyn (2017-08-07). "Cosmic Scallies review – oddball friends seek hope in Skelmersdale". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  25. ^ Clapp, Susannah (2016-03-06). "The Solid Life of Sugar Water review – in bed with a catastrophe". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  26. ^ "Theatre review: The Garden at St Alfege Park, Greenwich". British Theatre Guide. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  27. ^ "Watch Graeae's Reasons To Be Cheerful - Stratford East". www.stratfordeast.com. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  28. ^ Hickling, Alfred (2017-02-08). "The House of Bernarda Alba review – Hunter is a domestic dictator in anti-fascist classic". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  29. ^ "Graeae: Aruna and the Raging Sun". Disability Arts Online. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  30. ^ "Graeae Ensemble's 'Hurricane Protest Songs' hits the head and the heart with one swift punch". Disability Arts Online. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  31. ^ "Graeae and National Theatre present 'And Others' as part of the Courage Everywhere Festival, London". Disability Arts Online. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  32. ^ Wyver, Kate (2018-07-02). "This Is Not for You review – a defiant cry from Britain's disabled veterans". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  33. ^ "Graeae Theatre's 'Amy Dorrit' brings Dicken's story into contemporary times in an adaptation for radio". Disability Arts Online. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  34. ^ Hambrook, Colin (2019-02-08). "Sarah Kane revisited through Graeae and RADA's production of BLASTED". Disability Arts Online. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  35. ^ Love, Catherine (2019-11-11). "One Under review – heartrendingly tender and enigmatic portrait of grief". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  36. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Three Sisters Rewired, Episode 1". BBC. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  37. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Bartholomew Abominations". BBC. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  38. ^ Akbar, Arifa (2021-10-19). "10 Nights review – funny, soulful play hijacked by lack of drama". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  39. ^ "Night of the Living Flatpacks – Naked Productions". Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  40. ^ Fisher, Mark (2022-03-03). "Kerbs review – tender comedy about the road to romance". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  41. ^ Ashley, Tim (2022-04-14). "The Paradis Files review – Graeae and Wallen breathe life into a woman of spirit and courage". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  42. ^ "This Woven O - Live entertainment in Woolwich, Greenwich". Visit Greenwich. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  43. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The Chatterleys (Part 1)". BBC. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  44. ^ "The Festival of Rights: Work in progress – Tower Hamlets CVS". 2023-02-25. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  45. ^ "High Times and Dirty Monsters | Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres". www.everymanplayhouse.com. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  46. ^ Akbar, Arifa (2023-08-10). "Self-Raising review – growing up Deaf in a family of secrets". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  47. ^ Brown, Ismene (29 October 2012). "There are more theatre-goers than football-goers". The Arts Desk. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  48. ^ Stephenson, Alison (19 January 2016). "A beautifully evocative new play". Tavistock Times Gazette. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
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