A Play Lab is a one-day research and development platform created for disabled artists. Play Labs give performers, writers or directors a space to explore specific questions in relation to their work. This is an opportunity to test ideas and/or to respond to new artistic stimuli.
Sophie Woolley undertook her Play Lab across two afternoons on Monday 12 and Tue 13 December 2011.
“I first dreamt up the idea for my recent Play Lab on the set of Channel 4’s Cast Offs, whilst acting with Tim Gebbels (who played Tom). I Would Rather Go Blind is a tragicomedy with a deaf woman and a blind man at its heart. It’s also sort of a love story, bleak yet joyful, irreverent and believable. And very funny. I think I can speak for everyone involved on the Play Lab when I say we are hugely excited about the story. It’s ambitious, fascinating and (without giving away the unexpected twist in the tale) an explosive taboo buster.
Over two afternoons, Amit Sharma, Graeae associate director, led Tim and me through some cunning improvisational exercises to help develop the two main characters and explore certain key themes and plot points. It was a great start. Above all it was unique and interesting. Ultimately I want it to be a show that can be played by deaf and blind actors around the world in the years to come. But for now, it’s back to the laptop for more frowning and scripting. I’ll be blogging any fresh developments at www.sophiewoolley.com.”
Sophie Woolley
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