Ozzy
Gosforth Civic Theatre is the UK’s only theatre founded and guided by people with learning disabilities. Liberdade Community Development Trust (pronounced lib-er-dar-jie), the disability arts charity that took over and transformed Gosforth Civic Theatre in 2016, takes its name from the Brazilian Portuguese word for Liberty. Liberdade literally means Freedom.
By Johannah Churchill:
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Max
Since its beginnings, Gosforth Civic Theatre has evolved into a social enterprise dedicated to raising expectations of what people with learning disabilities can achieve, while welcoming the whole community through activities for all.
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James
The performance uses dance, physical theatre, and song to honour its heritage and celebrate where we are now, shaped by the local community. The portraits focus on the people behind the performances as they rehearse.
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Simon & Andrew
Gosforth Civic Theatre promotes inclusion, ensuring that people with learning disabilities are valued members of society. We are a vibrant community hub, shaping a more inclusive future for everyone.
Like all arts organisations, we want to change the world, we want to bring people together to create understanding, we want to decide what the new normal is by being extraordinary, and we want to shape our community by telling our stories and providing a home for everyone to enjoy.
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Alexandra
“These people you see and many more are part of the foundations of our building, they cement its heritage and future:
Freedom is choice.
Freedom is independence,
Freedom is being seen.” – Helen Kumar, Community Engagement Manager at Gosforth Civic Theatre.
Johannah Churchill
Johannah’s photographic work focuses on telling stories about people’s lives shaped by the connection to ourselves and to each other. Moving between portraiture and documentary, her practice is characterised by an emotional exploration of what it is to be human. Her central concerns are people, wellbeing, connection and belonging, continually drawing from her own life and experiences working in healthcare.
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