Audiences of students, staff, alumni and members of the public helped raise over £130 for the Graeae Ensemble campaign following the theatre company’s two performances of And Others in the College’s Rose Theatre, Sidcup on Tuesday 16 April 2019.

Performed by an all-female cast and curated by award-nominated writer Chloe Todd-Fordham, Stewart Pringle and Dr Susan Croft, And Others was developed in collaboration with the National Theatre to mark the 100th anniversary in 2018 of some women gaining the right to vote.

The production formed part of the College’s annual Symposium, a unique three-day festival, from the 15-17 April, of events, music, performance, exhibitions and workshops that celebrated the creative practice and research of the College’s students and staff alongside that of key external artists and academics.

Audience members were captivated as the cast brought to life the voices of women who fought for suffrage but whose stories have been lost to history. Weaved together with the voices of D/deaf and disabled women living today, it celebrates the achievements of the past while being a rallying call to action to fight for a better tomorrow.

Student Darcey O’Rourke tweeted:

“Brilliant time watching the ever so funny and so important And Others today. Such a great introduction to Graeae!”

Fellow student Joseph Mark tweeted:

“Really glad I got to watch Graeae perform And Others. They’re doing some absolutely amazing work!”

Graeae’s Ensemble is a pioneering artist development programme for young D/deaf and disabled people passionate about theatre. The programme is delivered by Graeae alongside Rose Bruford College, other leading London drama schools, arts organisations and freelance theatre artists.

Rose Bruford College Principal Clarie Middleton said:

“We were delighted to welcome Graeae to Rose Bruford College and be able to support their Ensemble campaign. They are a force for change in world-class theatre, breaking down barriers and boldy placing D/deaf and disabled artists centre stage.”

For more information and to donate to The Stage supported Ensemble campaign, please visit www.graeae.org.

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz, photos from 2018 cast at National Theatre.