Archive

DaDaFest 2004

page 1 of 2: Everyone wants a slice of the pie!

By Gemma Nash, DaDaFest Co-ordinator

Liverpool - for decades a city of creativity and artistic experimentation - is set yet again to take the country by storm. What Manchester was to the music scene in the early 90's Liverpool is forecast to be to the arts scene in the 00's and beyond. Liverpool will lead the nation in explosive, creative, humorous, original and diverse arts and it is of no surprise that disability arts is at the forefront of the action.

Having been awarded the prestigious title of City of Culture 2008, disabled artists have every reason to want to come to Liverpool to create and perform their art. Now in its fourth year, North West Disability Arts Forum's DaDaFest is the UK's largest festival celebrating the work of disabled and deaf artists. Based in Liverpool DaDaFest has seen the birth of some of the most innovative, talented and barrier breaking disabled artists like Susan Hedges, Laurence Clark and the Nasty Girls.

DaDaFest is a unique mixture of both professional and community-based disability art - showcasing the best whilst giving everyone an opportunity to have a go. Without it I doubt if I'd have become a comedian, as the first time I ever performed was at the first festival in 2001.

- Laurence Clark

Working in partnership with the region's theatres, galleries, museums and community organisations, this Autumn's DaDaFest will put on a spectacular package of performances, exhibitions, events and lively debates. We have been inundated with requests from talented artists wanting a chance to be a part of this exciting and ground-breaking event, and this year will see even more fresh talent with flair and originality.

DaDaFest is a celebration of disability arts and regards the experience of disability as a rich subject for artistic work rather than as a hindrance to our creativity. DaDaFest breaks through the idea that our situations are different and unrelated, and enables us to come together as disabled people. DaDaFest will be launched on the 24 November 2004 at the Unity Theatre with laughs and fun from acclaimed comedians Paul Betney and Laurence Clark. Matt Fraser will provide musical interludes and amusing anecdotes and Caroline Parker will seduce us with her wonderful signed song.

DaDaFest has gone from strength to strength and I am delighted to be taking part again in this years festival

- Mat Fraser

page 2: theatrical highlights

Laurence Clark leans against a wall, holding a bottle of beer and looking thoughtful.

Disabled stand-up comedian Laurence Clark