Houston, we have a problem: Ramps on the Moon's mission for representation

Despite the amazing growth of disabled-led theatre companies, such as Deafintely Theatre and Graeae Theatre Company, there is some way to go in terms of integrating disabled and deaf individuals into mainstream theatre. A show consisting only of disabled performers is brilliant, and it can break down so many preconceptions and assumptions held by audience members, but where does that leave the individuals who want a career on the mainstream stage?

If a performer is unwillingly pigeon-holed to ‘disabled theatre’, we are left with a tokenistic view of deaf and disabled performers, ultimately underplaying what they are capable of. Ramps on the Moon aims to change this. The group is a council funded consortium led by six theatres across the UK, that strives to produce productions that reflect society back at itself and give the industry the permission to take risks.