Access Me

Artistic inquiry

How could we make a performance about queer disabled sexuality on the artists’ own terms?

That question shaped both the work and the time we took to make it.

We needed time to develop the work in ways that responded to the artists’ lives, bodies and creative practices.

The way we made the work and the way we produced it had to respond to the same people.

My role

I was one of the six co-creators of the work, alongside Andrew Gurza, Frank Hull, Ken Harrower, Debbie Patterson and Jonathan Seinen.

For the final production in 2023, I worked as Producer and Associate Director. Jonathan Seinen directed, and Debbie Patterson served as dramaturg.

Andrew, Frank and Ken’s experiences and artistic choices remain at the centre of this collectively created work.

Developing the work

The project moved through residencies, workshops and public development, including work with Cahoots Theatre and SummerWorks Lab.

Workshops and public showings gave the collective time to develop the material and explore how audiences could take part. The 2023 production brought performers and audiences into a shared space for stories, conversation and celebration.

Disability arts in practice

Working with the Boys in Chairs Collective shaped my understanding of disability arts and my responsibilities as an able-bodied collaborator. Conversations with the artists challenged my own assumptions and my fear of not getting it right.

The approach is “one size fits one”: listening to what each person needs and responding to the support they require. It asks for curiosity, time and a willingness to adapt. Andrew, Frank and Ken’s experiences and choices shaped the artistic work as well as how we worked together.

What I carry forward

I learned to stay curious about what I do not yet know, to listen and to make room for mistakes and the responsibility of repair. Those are ongoing commitments in a collaboration.

Recognition

2023 creative team

Created by the Boys in Chairs Collective

Andrew Gurza, Frank Hull, Ken Harrower, Debbie Patterson, Brian Postalian, Jonathan Seinen

Performed by

Andrew Gurza, Ken Harrower, Frank Hull

Director

Jonathan Seinen

Associate Director

Brian Postalian

Dramaturg

Debbie Patterson

Stage Manager

Milena Fera

Set & Props

Michelle Tracey

Assistant Set Designer

Sarah Yuen

Costume

Laura Delchiaro

Projection & Video

Julia Howman

Sound / Composition

River Oliveira

Lighting

Jareth Li

Production Management / Technical Direction

Carlos Varela

Associate Producers

Jordan Campbell, Lorna Craig

Assistant Production Manager

Nathan Gregory