THE BIG PLAY: D.A.R.E.
DISABLED THEATRE is as much a generic ghetto as any other form of positive discrimination. Usually run by patronising worthies. the results don't do much bar confirm politically correct preconceptions. Sod that, says Nabil Shaban, probably the best known disabled actor and activist around, who has co-devised this new piece (with Theatre Workshop's Robert Rae) which aims to be an unforgiving kick in the face of such notions. Though all concerned are being cagey about
the plot, it's advertised as the most controversial play about the eugenics debate yet, giving voice to a disabled community whose very existence is being questioned. What it is not, is a piece of old hat agitprop, with Shaban and Co opting for passion rather than treating the issues with kid gloves. The title is a play on D.A.N, the disability rights campaigning group Direct Action Network. Get a life, you say? Aye, there's the rub. - Neil Cooper.
The Times, October 18-24 1997
© 1997 jinghiz@msn.com
Get your own Free Home Page