The UK’s national theatre for Disabled people, Graeae, are set to hold a celebratory fundraising night and auction, with lots including Emma Thompson’s dressing gown from the set of Matilda and original artwork from company’s patron, Sir Peter Blake.
Rights Not Charity: A Fundraiser will include a fusion of food, theatre and music alongside the auction and raffle. Jenny Sealey, artistic director of Graeae described the event as “an opportunity to pay respect to those who have left us and to toast the next generation for whom this event is for.”
Also on offer are a special tea date with Graeae patron Jenny Agutter and Graeae artistic director Jenny Sealey, printed original written lyrics from musician, Ian Dury, a VIP Tour of Coronation Street and a signed spun chair by designer Thomas Heatherwick.
The fundraiser will support Graeae’s Young Company as well as the development of their forthcoming production, Bad Lads, and takes place on 30 October at London’s Rich Mix.
Set at the height of the Thatcher government’s Short Sharp Shock policy designed to deal with young offenders, Bad Lads tells the story of the inmates and victims of the Medomsley Detention Centre which operated between the early 1960s and late 1980s where more than 1,800 former inmates have reported abuse by staff. Sealey has been working with survivors to tell their story.
