Disrupt Disability Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of disability art, curated by and for the disability community.
Immerse yourself in a rich diversity of voices from the disability arts community. The festival line up includes theatre, dance, literature-based performance and visual arts, all delivered through a range of accessible formats in relaxed spaces. 6 – 8 March a Project Arts Centre and all events are streamed online.
Festival Highlights
Among the programme highlights, ‘Dis-Cover: The Power of Expression’ will feature the premiere of ‘A Softer Kiss,’ an engrossing theatre show by Lianne Quigley that explores the experiences of Deaf women in Ireland, funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and supported by The Arts Council and Disrupt Festival. The show will be followed by a musical performance from Emilie Conway, the award-winning vocal jazz artist.
The festival’s ‘Disability and Intersectionality’ event promises powerful performances and discussions that address race, gender, age, sexuality, and disability, with contributions from Afro-Brazilian dancer Alessandra Azeviche, performance artists Day Magee, Pink AKA Owen O’Malley and disability activist Maryam Madani.
As the month of March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, Disrupt is excited to present ‘Toilet Paper Diaries’ by Porcelain Delaney, a multidisciplinary artist passionate about sharing lesser told narratives. This poignant yet humorous performance will take place Friday 7 March, on the eve of International Women’s Day, and will be followed by a conversation between Delaney and writer Sue Rainsford.
Visual artworks by artists affiliated with Dublin’s Connections Arts Centre, which supports those facing barriers to formal art education, will be exhibited at the Project Arts Centre. Additionally, artist Jason Grace will lead an interactive workshop to provide insights into his creative process. Elsewhere, theatre director Al Bellamy will conduct a workshop focusing on the role of theatre-makers in promoting disability inclusion.
Closing Party
Festival attendees are encouraged to “Sign the Night Away” at an unforgettable closing party on the festival’s final night, Saturday 8 March. The event will be hosted by Sarah-Jane O’Regan, known for her lively Irish Sign Language translations at the annual Electric Picnic Festival and RTÉ Late Late Toy Show. Tickets for Disrupt’s party are free, but booking is required.
Accessibility & Touch Tours
In keeping with the festival’s ethos, organisers have worked to ensure that the festival is accessible to as many people as possible. The talks and performances at the festival will include Irish Sign Language, captions, and audio descriptions. Additionally, a number of ‘Touch Tours.’ will take place, allowing visually impaired audience members to interact with the stage and props prior to the performance. The festival’s website will highlight relaxed performances for those who may be overwhelmed in large public settings, and for those who are unable to attend in person, the talks and performances will be streamed on the festival website.
