Devising a show with Intellectually disabled actors

[Ruth Kennedy]

Hi to all AIN members! Please help with ideas/suggestions if you can. I am devising and directing a show with a group of intellectually disabled and non-disabled actors and would love any ideas or links you can send me. My concept is based around a board game - the actors will be onstage on a "chequerboard" of black and white carpet tiles and one of them will have to procees to cover the area by answering questions which are then to be dramatised. I need to incorporate structured improv and call and response stuff into the work, as the actors cannot memorise lines.Suggestions for question scenarios, music etc. Any help gratefully appreciated. Ruth

[Nathan Keates]

In general, personally what I avoid is setting things down too much. What I learnt from this is that the familiar is also an easier stepping stone. Thus, no script, but using what is already known. For example, the Christmas production I am directing in the Inclusive Youth Project this year is Cinderella - but I will not say that they have to stick to the story that we all know. Its a base for what they wish to do. Every player has a way of working and I build with that in mind.
So my input here is just that, with whatever the goal for your production is - keep in mind that the players have a lot of familiar that could be used and that setting it down could be too much. Freedom to play, especially in the show. (I can't specify on your show, as I don't know enough about it... so I hope my riddle is of some use.)

[Alan Montague]

Ruth
This certainly sounds like an interesting challenge, both for you and your actors.
I'm currently studying at The Annoyance and an excersise from a recent class strikes me as having potential here.
It's about having a strong point of view. The actor is given a single line of dialog that expresses a point of view (eg "I like chocolate") they then simply use this (in this case their love of chocolate) in various guises as their response to everything that happens in the scene (" Margaret, I'm leaving you!" - Response "Good there will be more chocolate for me")
Having one simple thing to hang on to takes away the presure to 'be funny' and is simple to remember. Also the simpler the better. I suggest that the point of view reflects a simple but potentially strong emotion. Using "I Love ....." or "I hate ......" is as simple as as you might need it. To keep things from degenerating into a shouting match I suggest the positive "I Like/Love...." might be easier.
Good luck and tell us how it works out.
Alan

[Ruth Kennedy]

That's a lovely suggestion, Alan - thanks. I will definitely use it. Ruth