Brighton Festival and Fringe 2011
Programme inspired by Aung San Suu Kyi
lewishamdreamer
Festival and Fringe events accessible to deaf people
By John Walker
Here is a listing of all events in the festival proper or the fringe programme, which are accessible to deaf people. The events may be accessed by an interpreter or the language in the performances uses British Sign Language.
This year's festival is inspired by Aung San Suu Kyi, a recently freed political prisoner in Burma.
The Pleasures and Politics of Food: The Observer Food Monthly Debate
How does food shape our lives? When food riots can bring down a government and speculators try to corner the market in staples, what does food security mean? Is local and organic still important? And after Scandinavia, what exciting flavours, trends and food cultures are next to discover?
OFM columnist Jay Rayner hosts a lively discussion about the pleasures and politics of food with cooks and food writers Yotam Ottolenghi (also the Guardian's 'New Vegetarian'
columnist); OFM editor Allan Jenkins; Fuchsia Dunlop (author of Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-Sour Memoir of Eating in China); and Tomasina Miers (writer and owner of Wahaca restaurants).
11th May 2011; 7,30pm; Corn Exchange; £10; interpreted.
website
The Lady of Burma
Richard Shannon's celebrated play - based on the inspirational true story of the Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi - is revived exclusively for Brighton Festival with an updated script specially commissioned to include the momentous events of 2010.
This powerful solo performance - starring Liana Gould and directed by Owen Lewis was a sell-out success during its inaugural runs at London's Old Vic and Edinburgh Fringe; and at its original UK tour (2009). It captures both the political reality of military rule and the personal struggle of Burma's Nobel Peace Prize-winning, democratically elected leader through fifteen years of house arrest.
Regardless of what you know or think about Burmese politics, it is a compelling hymn to the resilience of the human spirit in the quest for freedom.
20th May 2011; 7.30pm; Theatre Royal Brighton; £5, £10, £12.50, £15; interpreted.
website
The Iron Man
In Ted Hughes's modern-day fairytale - adapted by Paul Sirett for this bold new outdoor theatre production - the unexpected arrival of the Iron Man casts a shadow of fear across a small farm community. But when an enormous dragon from outer space threatens to annihilate the planet, it is the Iron Man who comes to the rescue.
Against the backdrop of celestial soundscapes, a deaf and disabled ensemble spin stories using integrated BSL and audio description while operating larger than-life puppets. The Iron Man is a colossal narrative that emerges from the shadows and takes to the air.
21st May 2011; 12noon - 5pm; Old Paddling Pool site; FREE; BSL integrated into performance.
website
Up-steam - An accentuate Project- by Dada South
Showcasing the very best of contemporary art by disabled and deaf artists, presented across Brighton. Featuring Noemi Lakmaier, Gary Thomas, Juan delGado, Freewheelers Theatre Company, Project Art Works, Colin Hambrook, Sally Booth, Oska Bright Film Festival, Charlie Swinbourne and Jon Adams. The celebration kicks off with Sense of Freedom by Deaf Men Dancing at the Pavilion Theatre.
24th May 2011; 7.45pm; Pavilion Theatre; £15; BSL incorporated into the performances.
website
I Shall Not Hate
How does one man find the strength and humanity to forgive the unforgivable? Izzeldin Abuelaish is a Palestinian doctor, born and raised in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.
On 16 January 2009, during the Israeli incursion into Gaza, he witnessed the death of his three daughters by shellfire. His response, moments after the attack, was to broadcast live on Israeli TV, calling for peace and reconciliation. This selfless stand made waves across the Middle East and beyond, leading to a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Join this inspirational speaker and tireless peace campaigner as he tells his remarkable story.
28th May 2011; 3pm; Corn Exchange; £8.50; Interpreted.
website