Blue Teapot Theatre
Creators: name: Petal Pilley (CEO & Creative Director)
name: Sonja Brodie (General Manager)
Publisher: name: DARIAH-DE
Year: 2023
Subjects: Theatre Group
Galway
Ireland

description: Blue Teapot is a renowned Theatre Company and Performing Arts School acclaimed for its inclusive programs tailored to individuals with intellectual disabilities. At the forefront of Arts and Disability initiatives in Ireland, Blue Teapot operates as a registered charity. The company is deeply committed to upholding values associated with exceptional theatre production, training, and fostering creativity. Their primary objective lies in unlocking diverse creative potential, thereby enabling the freedom of artistic expression through inclusive theatrical practices.
The organization offers four distinct pathways to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to lead enriched and creative lives. These avenues include the Theatre Company, functioning as a professional acting ensemble; the Performing Arts School, an accredited provider of performing arts education; Bright Soul, a participatory initiative granting access to quality performing arts experiences; and Sparkle, a participatory acting program tailored for intellectually disabled teenagers.
As a result, the company's artistic endeavours extend beyond the theatre realm, encompassing a range of performances, events, and even film productions, as exemplified by their acclaimed romantic comedy Sanctuary (2016).
In 2014, Blue Teapot commissioned a comprehensive study conducted by the Dublin-based company Quality Matters. The findings of this study culminated in the “Ability, not Disability: Arts, Bravery and Changing Views in Ireland” report. This report, which underwent independent validation, highlighted the crucial and unique contribution of Blue Teapot Theatre Company to both the local and broader cultural landscape. The findings revealed that the company played a crucial role in shaping the national conversation surrounding disability and the arts. The company has succeeded in reshaping perceptions about the capabilities and professionalism of disabled individuals while simultaneously raising awareness about pertinent human rights issues.
One of the company's most ambitious undertakings was 'Crossing The Line Festival', an integral component of Galway's European Capital of Culture 2020 program. This festival was to feature over 100 European artists, encompassing 32 events, collaborations with six European partners, and a series of knowledge talks. The event was projected to attract approximately 4,500 visitors in May. Conceived as a pan-European, multi-venue art project, the festival aimed to showcase not only Irish companies but also European theatre companies that spotlight artists with intellectual disabilities. Some of the participating companies included L’Oiseau Mouche (France), Mind the Gap (England), Moomsteatern (Sweden), Theater Babel (Netherlands), and Teatr 21 (Poland), among others. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 pandemic, the festival. The cancellation was disheartening since the festival had the potential to mark a significant milestone in the company's journey. It was set to showcase the debut of their ongoing project, Into the Dark Woods, a creation by one of their intellectually disabled actors, which added to the disappointment.