Lung Ha’s Theatre Company exists to provide and inspire opportunities for people with learning disabilities to become actively involved in the performing arts:
We aim to do this through:
- Maintaining a culture that is respectful, supportive and challenging.
- Widening the understanding of people’s potential and abilities.
- Challenging stereotypical perceptions - particularly those regarding learning disability.
- Encouraging a greater provision of arts opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
- Presenting performing arts events of a high professional standard to a wide audience.
Artistic Director
Maria Oller
artistic@lunghas.co.uk
Maria trained as an actor and director in Finland, France and the UK. She was working in Scandinavia until 2001 when she moved to Scotland to join the Clowndoctors. Maria worked with companies such as Catherine Wheels and Benchtours before becoming the Artistic Director of Lung Ha’s Theatre Company in January 09.
Company Manager
Michael Fraser
info@lunghas.co.uk
Michael Fraser has been Company Manager at Lung Ha’s Theatre Company since October 2005. Prior to that he spent eight years at the Traverse Theatre, the last seven as Theatre Manager, and prior to that still he spent three and half years at the Festival Theatre. Michael believes that Lung Ha’s Theatre Company is capable of achieving just about anything.
Creative Administrator
Jenna Watt
admin@lunghas.co.uk
Jenna has been Creative Administrator for Lung Ha’s Theatre Company since November 2007. As well as working with LHTC and the Traverse Theatre, Jenna is a freelance performance artist; she creates pieces of live art, performance and devised theatre for galleries and theatres. She most recently performed at the National Review of Live Art and the Traverse Theatre's Wildfire Evening.
Please
click here to view some video clips of some of our productions.
Since 1984, Lung Ha’s Theatre Company has been one of the leading professional Theatre Companies in Scotland providing opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to become actively involved in the performing arts.
Over the past 24 years the Company has produced nearly 30 original stage productions making its mark in Scottish theatre. The Company has collaborated with a wide array of arts professionals from across Scotland and beyond. In 2005, to further cement the ongoing development and continued success of the Company, Lung Ha’s Theatre Company was able to appoint its first full-time Artistic Director.
Lung Ha’s Theatre Company distinguishes itself not only by the quality of its work, which marries a successful blend of theatrical invention, technological creativity, and poetic writing, but also by the way the Company succeeds in challenging its audience whilst still being accessible to all.
The Company has a membership of 25 actors with learning disabilities who meet and rehearse on a weekly basis from September to July each year annually in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Added to this and typically with casts of 2 to 6, chosen after audition, the Company also tours widely across Scotland and further afield. In addition to regular rehearsal and production work, specific training workshops such as clowning, dance, voice, music and movement are organised to further develop the skills and interests of each Company member. Auditions are now held every summer to become a member of Lung Ha's Theatre Company for a year.
Lung Ha’s Theatre Company maintains contacts with similar organisations throughout Scotland, UK and Europe, as well as further afield. The Company encourages its members to attend arts and disability forums, conferences and festivals whenever possible.
Lung Ha's Theatre Company is a company limited by guarantee, Company Number SC131622, and is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC017635.
Registered Office Address -
c/o Lyceum Theatre, 30b Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AX
