Scotland’s only professional theatre company dedicated to working with performers with a learning disability has revealed it is planning its first schools tour in the New Year, after gaining financial support from Aberdeen Standard Investments’ Charitable Foundation.
Lung Ha Theatre Company enables adults with a disability the chance to tread the boards. It has produced a diverse catalogue of over 45 original theatre productions since its formation in 1984, featuring over 400 learning disabled performers in this time, and has toured at home and overseas.
Edinburgh-based Lung Ha Theatre Company has toured internationally and gained critical acclaim, but it will perform to young audiences closer to home in an exciting new development.
It is planning a brand-new production to be shared with primary and special schools in the Edinburgh and Lothians region and is working in coproduction with Catherine Wheels, which is experienced in delivering theatre for schools, to deliver the programme.
Securing funding from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation has allowed the company to start planning the 2019 season and provide new opportunities which enable adults with a learning disability to express themselves, and tell stories, through acting.
Company manager Michael Fraser said: “We will be creating a new production in early 2019 which will tour to primary and special schools. This will be the first time we will have undertaken a proper schools tour as a company so it’s something we’re really looking forward to.
“Support from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation enables our company to continue to grow, to be ambitious, to be creative, to tell stories to be life-changing and to continue to create opportunities for performers with a learning disability to perform. Working together, Lung Ha Theatre Company and Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation provide a platform for voices which may not otherwise be heard.”
The Company has worked in partnership with many leading creative agencies including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Traverse Theatre, National Museums Scotland, the Edinburgh International Science Festival and as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The company draws its performers from across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments said: “This is a theatre company which enriches lives and promotes social inclusion through the performing arts, creating productions to not only entertain audiences, but harness the skills and talents of its members and contributes to their development, creativity and innovation.”
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. It encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. For more information visit
http://aboutus.aberdeen-asset.
For more information about Lung Ha Theatre Company please visit www.lungha.com
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