MUSICAL theatre students in Stratford put a unique spin on their musical adaption of Chicago – which they called Chaircago.
Fellow students of Kieran Hoult, a wheelchair user from Redditch, felt passionately about raising awareness of wheelchair users in the arts.
Seventeen year-old Kieran took on the task of movement director, teaching students to operate the chairs whie also performing in the show which imaginatively captured excerpts from the iconic hit musical.
He explained: “A few years ago, I was told that I was unable to study GCSE Drama when I was at school, so it’s really important to me to prove that this could be done and show that there is a key role for people with disabilities in the arts.
“The rehearsal period was more challenging than our previous productions. We’ve had a few on-stage collisions as the other performers have been getting used to moving in wheelchairs.”
The British Red Cross supported the event by lending the College 22 wheelchairs for use in the performance.
Nadia Jambawai, mobility aid coordinator at the Red Cross, said “Until people experience an injury that affects their mobility, they just don’t realise how challenging it can be. The students should be applauded for their wish to raise awareness in such a positive way.”
