A drama group for actors with learning disabilities in Angus is staging a tale of jealousy, murder and mistaken identity in Arbroath this summer.
Members of Art Moves are staging Shakespeare’s play Cymbeline, one of the bard’s lesser-known plays about the Queen of Britain and political intrigue in Roman times.
Designer and photographer Robin Mitchell said the group had tackled many of the greatest plays in the English language in the past and members were looking forward to bringing Cymbeline to life.
He said: “The actors are adults who have learning disabilities who live in Angus. The work aims to dispel the myth that people with learning disabilities are unable to understand complex stories or to participate fully in the arts.”
He said the 24 strong cast had only two weeks to put together the show, which is expected to attract an audience of around 200 people.
“It’s very challenging because we have mixed abilities in the group. Some have poor memory and some not great speakers, so we find ways of telling the story based on more than just speech,” he said.
“We stage the battle scenes, shipwrecks and the chases through the forest. Then those who are strong at speaking come forward and tell their parts of the story.
“We are always looking for the things the cast are best able to do,” he added.
The performance will take place on the main stage at the Webster Memorial Theatre, High Street, Arbroath, at 2pm. Entry is free, although organisers say donations would be appreciated.
The group has staged Shakespeare classics Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and The Winters Tale in previous years.
Director John Binnie works with the company to find ways of telling the stories of the plays that are relevant to today and to the group’s own experience.
He said: “Cymbeline is less well-known but it is no less dramatic – it is a hugely enjoyable soap opera involving separated lovers, jealous royals, international conflict and cases of mistaken identity. And let’s not forget the curious case of the beheaded body.”
The play will be followed by a short slide show of photographs taken throughout the project, after which tea and coffee will be served in the Assembly Hall.
Charity Art Moves started in 2003 to help people in Angus with disabilities to realise their full potential by participation in drama, art and music.
