20 Stories High is absolutely over the moon to be joining forces with Graeae Theatre Company, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and LEEDS 2023 to bring you our next national tour…
High Times and Dirty Monsters!
We’re collaborating with our co-producers to create a unique Hip Hop show with Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists. Sharing what it is to be young and disabled in 2023, a collective of actors, beatboxers, rappers, and dancers present a raucous, radical, celebratory show with heavy beats, stunning visuals, movement, and artistically embedded access including integrated British Sign Language (BSL), creative captioning and audio description.
The production is directed by Keith Saha (20 Stories High Artistic Director) with Associate Director Jenny Sealey (Graeae Artistic Director) and Assistant Director Sonny Nwachukwu (former Graeae Associate Artist). The creative team also includes choreographer Chris Fonseca, designer Miriam Nabarro, dramaturg Nickie Miles-Wildin, BSL consultant Daryl Jackson, audio description consultant Ada Eravama, video designer and creative captioner Ben Glover, wellbeing Practitioner Lou Platt, sound designer Tony Gayle and lighting designer Rajiv Pattini.
High Times and Dirty Monsters has been developed with the companies’ young people and with artists. Through a high-octane gig theatre format, a collage of stories reflects young people’s lives and concerns whilst celebrating the ways they find to look after themselves and each other.
We’re going to put access, wellbeing, and participation at the heart of High Times and Dirty Monsters, from conception to tour. The production artistically integrates British Sign Language, creative captions, and audio description. Commitment to access also extends to mental health provision, touch tours, and accessible ticket pricing among initiatives.
Keith Saha said: “Fusing the expertise from our four companies has presented such an exciting opportunity to create a production that is as accessible as it possibly can be. The skill and energy of the team involved and the stories that are being told promise to make for an unforgettable night out.”
Jenny Sealey OBE, Artistic Director of Graeae Theatre Company: “The voice of young disabled people often goes unheard. But not anymore – this raucous, radical, celebratory, hard-hitting gig theatre show shares the good times and the not-so-good times being young and disabled in 2023. Graeae is excited to be co-producing with 20 Stories High, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and LEEDS 2023 and bringing our recent Associate Artist, Sonny Nwachukwu on board as Assistant Director for High Times and Dirty Monsters.”
Suba Das, Creative Director, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse: “We’re overjoyed to be working with two of our new Associate Companies, 20 Stories High and Graeae along with LEEDS 2023, opening High Times and Dirty Monsters at the Everyman. These two vital companies are creating a show full of music, energy, and rage exploring what stepping out into the world and adulthood feels like for all young people right now. At a time where protest is becoming less and less possible for the ordinary citizen, we’re proud that our theatres remain a space where the diverse voices of a new generation can hold power to account. We can’t wait for Liverpool audiences to put their love and support behind the show and send it out on a national tour.”
Join us at your local venue!
Liverpool Everyman, Liverpool, 9 – 14 October – Tickets Available!
Contact, Manchester, 18 – 21 October
Northern Stage, Newcastle, 3 – 4 November
Leeds Playhouse, Leeds, 9 -11 November
Derby Theatre, Derby, 14 -15 November – Tickets Available!
Bernie Grant Arts Centre, London, 23 -25 November
