Artists with learning disabilities and autism are set to grace the North East stage with their new play.
In the cabaret-style performance, titled 'My Sunderland, My Washington', audiences are taken on a whistle-stop tour of Sunderland and Washington through song, dance, film, and drama.
Celebrating local landmarks including The Stadium of Light, Roker Pier, Washington Old Hall, and the Sunderland Empire, the play shares stories of local people, history, and culture - from the town’s link to the establishment of the NHS to the infamous Victorian serial killer, Mary Anne Cotton.
Through joyful and emotive storytelling, My Sunderland, My Washington explores what it feels like to call Sunderland and Washington home, especially poignant as Washington celebrates its 60th birthday.
The performers, who meet weekly at Arts Centre Washington, are part of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, a charitable incorporated organisation that works with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to tackle inequalities and effect social change through performing arts.
Working across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company supports more than 500 people a year to share their stories, develop their artistic skills and to ensure the uniqueness and relevance of their art reaches more people.
Jan Willem van den Bosch, lead facilitator and project manager at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “They say that home is where the heart is, and we’re delighted to present this new play which explores what it feels like to call Washington and Sunderland home.
"It’s joyful, celebratory, and nostalgic, offering a fantastic opportunity for local people to delve deeper into their roots, especially as Washington celebrates its 60th birthday as a town.”
Beverly, a performer in My Sunderland, My Washington, said: “The audience will see us working together and helping each other out. They see a show with dancing, acting and video. All blend together.”
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Jay Hare, CEO at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: “Our mission is to empower individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people to share their unique voices and stories with the world.”
My Sunderland, My Washington is on at Arts Centre Washington at 2pm on Friday, April 26. This work has been made possible by an award from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Tickets are £5 and are available to book online at: sunderlandculture.org.uk
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