Creative Journeys Involving Adults With Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities: Co-Development in Multi-Sensory Theatre

Abstract

Background

The last decade has seen developments in collaborative multi-sensory theatre and dramatic performance involving individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The current study investigated co-development processes used by a multi-sensory theatre company that employed four artists with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Methods

A qualitative approach was adopted, involving preliminary observations and in-depth interviews with 10 individuals who performed different roles in the company. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Findings

Three themes emerged, centring around concepts of interactional ‘space’: the space between (how meanings were co-constructed); the space around (how the dramatic narrative was coproduced); the space beyond (how collaboration occurred in the live multi-sensory show). A fourth theme, the journey, connected all the spaces in a process of learning and changing, enjoyment, having a voice and developing the narrative.

Conclusions

Through participating in co-creative processes of artistic development, people with profound and multiple learning disabilities can share their expertise and contribute to the sensory theatrical shows as artists in their own right.