Firebird’s Impact
Firebird means a lot to us. The way we work is learning disabled-led and our impact is far-reaching. Here we share some words from our members, team, partners and reviewers to paint a picture of how Firebird is part of changing people’s lives.
“This place is special”
Members
Firebird is unique in its approach. We are member-led and this means members make all important decisions about what work we make, how we make it and who we make it with. Truly self-determined practice is rare for learning disabled artists but has been a long-held pillar of Firebird, right from the beginning. Giving members the choice, power and voice in their theatre company is what makes Firebird an empowering, respectful space.
Our work builds confidence, creativity and community, supporting members’ social connections and wellbeing.
“I wish that everyone could see what we do at Firebird and how inclusive and special it is. So then they could do it in their work.”
“Firebird Theatre is not a “drop in” activity. It’s a lot different because we make the decisions.”
“There’s nothing else like it in Bristol. I don’t know any other groups that I could go to and be myself.”
“Firebird has supported me for a long time. I like coming here.”
“Firebird is the only group thing I do which makes it very important”
Image by Graham Burke
“Firebird is unique. I can’t think of another theatre group in the country that’s done similar work.”
The Theatre Industry
Firebird members want people seeing and working in theatre to know what learning disabled artists are capable of. They also care about changing how theatre works so it is more accessible for disabled performers and audiences.
“I like the impact it has on audiences. It’s about showing that disabled people are creative and can produce great theatre.”
“We teach theatre professionals a lot, and we get a lot from them too. It’s definitely a two-way process.”
“Firebird has always taken a risk and it always pays off. We would do things and think “Is this gonna work?” and it did!”
“We went around touring and it was amazing...Without Firebird we wouldn’t have had these opportunities, we’re hoping to do more touring.”
Image by Paul Blakemore
“Moving, honest, evocative and brave.”
Reviews
“Along with people struggling to make their minds up on disability benefits, A Spark and a Beating Heart is also vital viewing for those who consider the arts, including theatre, a simple indulgence.” – Exeunt review of A Spark and a Beating Heart, 2017
“This is a gorgeous piece of theatre that implicitly argues for the existence and potential of theatre, along with continued, active expressions of compassion for all members of society... There’s nothing to be cynical about here. But there’s everything to keep working for.” - Exeunt review of A Spark and a Beating Heart, 2017
“Testimony to the power of theatre as a shared experience.” Bristol 24/7 review of A Spark and a Beating Heart, 2017
“A piece about love, politics, people. I feel educated and moved to help change happen.” - Audience feedback from Spark and a Beating Heart, 2017
“Really beautiful moving piece of theatre that changed me and made me think about how far society has come but how far there is still to go.” - Audience feedback from Spark and a Beating Heart, 2017
“Being a Firebird trustee transformed my practice and sent my life in a new and exciting direction.”
The Firebird Board of Trustees
“I joined Firebird Theatre’s Board as Chair of Trustees in 2016 and I have learned so much from the company about how to be a better producer, and a better person. They have been through incredibly difficult times and it is such a joy to be part of the joyful, rebellious future they are creating.” - Mel Scaffold, Chair of Trustees
“Firebird has a very special place in my heart because I grew up watching its radical performances, thinking that theatre could be done in a different way and that felt really exciting…Now being a trustee, I hope I can help guide Firebird into the future so that the members take the company in the direction they want with lots of performances!” - Sabrina Sallis, Trustee
“At college, we get talked to a lot about equality and diversity; we actually did it.”
Workshops and outreach participants
Firebird have enjoyed running workshops in educational settings, both in SEND and mainstream schools. Intergenerational working has been transformational for Firebird members and the workshop participants. Firebird recognises that we have a lot to share with students and young people, and in turn our practice is enriched! As well as growing our learning disabled community, these workshops build aspiration and confidence in the people taking part, and in the Firebird members leading the sessions.
“[It] was a remarkable and extraordinary experience. It is difficult to sum up in words, as the experience was somehow otherworldly and magical.” - Feedback from a Briarwood Sixth Form Teacher about a Firebird project
“It was amazing on so many counts: to witness my students’ personal development... their ability to express themselves with a variety of different people, including their mainstream peers, the actors, other adults... to see them grow as individuals through the creative, social experience which was transcending.” - Feedback from a Briarwood Sixth Form Teacher about a Firebird project