The art of playfulness

‘Play’ is defined in the Oxford English dictionary as “to occupy or amuse oneself pleasantly, or to act light-heartedly”, but those working in the fields of play might find this definition falls short. As a disability arts organisation using the performing arts, Access All Areas sees ‘play’ as the foundation on which every creative brick is placed. Based in Hackney, North London, we work with people with learning disabilities, drawing upon the tools of theatre, movement and music to run a range of projects. From Rainbow Theatre Company making full blown productions in a professional theatre with a cast of 20, to ‘Spinning Yarn’, that builds multi-sensory journeys for those with complex needs, the exploration, the extension of self and the enjoyment are key.

‘Play’ applies to us in two different ways. Firstly, ‘playfulness’ is a fundamental device in creating theatre. In Rainbow Theatre Company for example, as in any company making devised performance, we explore story, we experiment with characters, and we build a shared experience. In ‘Spinning Yarn’ we celebrate any movement or sound that is offered, and participants are encouraged to investigate their space and interact with instruments and found materials with an unadulterated inquisitiveness. In both projects it is the exploration and experimentation resulting in joyful celebration that demonstrates the art of playfulness.

Secondly we can think of ‘playing at life’, a sentiment that Jonathon Chadwick, Director of Az Theatre used to highlight the therapeutic qualities of performance-making with refugee children in Gaza, as seen on their film ‘Gaza Breathing Space’. This notion of theatre as a tool for practising life is particularly apt for Access All Area’s learning disability client group. In a recent poll over 60% reported feelings of isolation or that their community does not understand learning disabilities. The reality of life in one of the poorest boroughs in the country makes the sustained integration and acceptance of our members particularly difficult. By using story to help our participants refine their life-skills, we are giving them a safe rehearsal space in the wings from which they can step out onto real life’s centre stage. Recently members from our Black Cab theatre literally stepped out into the limelight with appearances on The Undatables, and soon they will be participating in the Paralympics opening ceremony.

‘Belonging’ – being valued and nourished within a community – is at the heart of wellbeing, and it is difficult for ‘play’ to take place unless the participant feels safe and free within the community to which they belong. In the current upheaval of statutory services and the introduction of the ‘personalisation agenda’, hopes are raised for the better integration of our participants, enabling them to come in from the margins of society. The aim is to achieve community engagement and citizenship for all who use Hackney’s Adult services. Access All Areas is sure to be able to build the safe community conducive to creativity and play, yet we are limited in what we can do to change the state infrastructure that creates dependence on a package that isolates the service user. Until change takes place, then we shall play away, at playing life and at the art of playfulness, in our quest to instill a sense of belonging and enhance the wellbeing of our participants.