InterAct Center provided a performance during the lunch break at today’s conference. InterAct feautures performers with a range of disabilities (cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, mental illness, etc.) and this was the first time I had the opportunity to see them perform. Much of their material touches on the stigma attached to disability and the daily frustrations of confronting prejudice from an able-bodied world. They also don’t shy away from satire (a couple of their skits poked fun at religion) and themes of sexuality. Some audiences are probably offended or confused by a group of actors with Down’s gyrating their hips suggestively, but what struck me is how much fun the actors were having. How many other performing arts venues would offer these guys the opportunity to perform as professional artists? One more reason why I’m proud to live in the Twin Cities.
I’m off to help my sister buy a Macbook. I’ve decided it doesn’t make much sense for me to switch to a Mac, but maybe she’ll let me tinker with hers from time to time.
