Mind the Gap, England’s largest learning disability theatre company, is taking its production of Mia to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this Summer.
Performed by four learning disabled artists and created and directed by Mind the Gap’s Resident Director Joyce Nga Yu Lee, Mia explores the truths and myths about learning disability and parenthood in today’s society. It was when speaking to one of the artists about a family member’s pregnancy that Joyce decided the story needed telling; Mia is based on real life accounts.
“Medical experts, geneticists, social workers, council officers and advocates have all been involved in the creation of this piece,” Joyce explains. “But the most important people involved are the learning disabled parents who have shared their stories with us.”
“I’m thrilled that the piece will reach a larger and international audience at Edinburgh,” Joyce concludes. “This is a project about humanity – it aims to resonate with everybody, with or without a disability. It is fast moving and raw, funny and bold – in short Mia is wild ride!”
Mia originally toured studio venues around the UK in autumn last year receiving outstanding reviews. The show will tour again in autumn 2017 and spring 2018 with performances confirmed at Hull Truck Theatre, Hull, The Gulbenkian, Canterbury, and Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax.
Mia is at Edinburgh’s Summerhall Old Lab from Tuesday 8th to Sunday 27th August. Performances are at 2.45pm from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive. Tickets are available from www.summerhall.co.uk.
