"Listen, listen to me, listen to us,………… powerful people"

"Over the Bridge" is an innovative theatre company of learning disabled actors from Skye and Lochalsh. Their first production, "Out of the Box" will be performed at the Aros Theatre, Portree on Fri 3 and Sat 4 Feb 2006 at 7.30pm.  "Out of the Box" is a devised play from the participants' own experiences, dreams and aspirations, which also features local musicians, as well as singers from Coisir Sgire Phortrigh.

It all began in early 2005 when Health and Happiness started a pilot drama project in this district. It started with the actors playing games. Helen Scott Danter, Artistic Director said “I introduced some techniques, making up stories together, creating trust until the actors found it could be a forum to act out stories and profound experiences from their own lives and imagination”.

Health & Happiness eventually secured funding to put a theatre company for learning disabled adults in place. “Over the Bridge” is the result.

At 7.30 on Friday 3 & Saturday, 4 February “Out of the Box” will premier at the Aros theatre in Portree. Eleven actors from different parts of Skye and Lochalsh, from Glendale to Glenelg are taking part. These stars, enabled by a dedicated support team and a professional (whilst local) production crew, have all overcome significant personal and logistical challenges to be ready for opening night.

The show lasts about forty-five minutes during which poignant and funny stories emerge, told through words music and mime. One of the actors has written an imaginary story “No secrets, no lies” and Lesley Hellon, who runs courses in sign language will be signing on both evenings. We hope you will be there to join in the songs and the laughter and share a moment of admiration for these courageous actors…………."Listen, listen to me, listen to us… powerful people".

Health & Happiness in partnership with An Tuireann arts Centre, is also running an Arts project which has supplied the drama company with much of its art work." Skye Through Our Eyes" offers, art, film & photography, creative writing and graphic design to adults with a learning disability. If you want to get involved with one of these projects please give Rosie Somerville the co-ordinator a ring on 01470 532436.

“OUT OF THE BOX”
Friday 3 & Saturday 4th February at 7.30 pm
Tickets; £6.00 & £4.00 from the front desk.

This is a Health & Happiness project supported by the Scottish Arts Council & Big Lottery Fund. The “Skye Through Our Eyes” Arts Project is also supported by Western isles, Skye & Lochalsh LEADER+ Programme and Lloyds TSB.