In Spring of 2020, in the midst of the first Covid-19 lockdown, theatre company Graeae launched a weekly series of new work which was presented online.

Entitled 'Crips Without Constraints', it played for eleven weeks to critical acclaim.

Since then, the company has built on that initial run with 'Crips Without Constraints Part 2' which features five brand new short plays, celebrating the best talent and creativity of Deaf and disabled artists from across the UK.

The plays were released between 19 January and 16 February and now there's another chance for you to watch them free online at Graeae's website or on its (plays will each be available for 3 months).

The plays will remain available until 30 April 2021.

The online series comprises five brand new short plays and five BSL vodcast discussions with Deaf artists all filmed on Zoom, celebrating the best talent and creativity of Deaf and disabled artists from across the UK.

The plays feature award-winning actor and Graeae patron Dame Harriet Walter, Sharon D. Clarke (Death of a Salesman - Young Vic, Holby City - BBC), Mandy Colleran (comedy duo No Excuses), Naomi Wirthner (The Doctor - Almeida & West End), Julie Graham (Benidorm - ITV, Doctor Who - BBC, Cherylee Houston (Coronation Street) and Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Years and Years, Sex Education).

All bold duologues, the pieces are written by Leanna Benjamin, Rebekah Bowsher, Karen Featherstone, Kellan Frankland and Jessica Lovett, all alumni from Graeae's Write to Play programme.

Covering topics from sibling rivalry to death by post-it-notes, all are directed by upcoming disabled directors Stephen Bailey, Hana Pascal Keegan, Cheryl Martin, Alex Whiteley and Lilac Yosiphon.

Nickie Miles-Wildin, Graeae Associate Director said ...

"We were delighted with the response Crips Without Constraints has received and are excited that we can extend the audience by keeping them online for another couple of months.

It's important that disabled writers are being given the platform they deserve.

Such an eclectic mix of stories that have been creatively told using the digital world of online communication.

Incredibly hyped and proud of the entire team, from writers and actors to directors and composer."

Here's a reminder of the plays in the series ...

HOW DO YOU MAKE A CUP OF TEA?

by Kellan Frankland

A disabled actor meets the not-yet-disabled woman intent on playing her.

Ferocious and funny the play poses the question, who has the right to play whom?

FLOWERS FOR THE CHATEAUX

by Rebekah Bowsher

A woman discovers that her future son-in-law's mother is the ex who dumped her by postcard 20-odd years ago,

THE GIFT

by Leanna Benjamin

A pregnant woman has to make a terrible choice, but will her mother respect her decision?

STUCK WITH YOU

by Jessica Lovett

Two sisters clash over wedding preparations.

GOOD DAY, BAD DAY

by Karen Featherstone

A woman picks a fight with herself.

A reminder that who we are depends on the day.

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Crips Without Constraints is supported by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Jack Thorne.

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