Welcome to Firebird Theatre

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Firebird Theatre are a unique group of disabled theatre-makers, spanning generations. They have been making theatre together for 25 years. Their experiences tell stories of shifting attitudes towards difference and disability; of understanding and ignorance.

Firebird Theatre is proud to be an Associate Company of Bristol Old Vic and to have Olivier Award winner, Kathryn Hunter, as its patron.

 

Following the passing of Firebird co-founder Jane Sallis on 16th August 2018, the company have paused their work on productions, and taken time to reflect and renew. They have been working with Andrew Harris, poet Clair Williamson and sound recordist Jake Wittlin on ‘The Pull of the Tide’, a private publication and accompanying CD of poems about Jane Sallis. 

They are also planning ‘The Story of Firebird’, a large-scale project to archive and celebrate Firebird’s history. Working with the Theatre Collection at the University of Bristol, it will aim to interweave the story of this ground-breaking company with the social history of disability in Bristol and beyond. It will explore the vital role theatre has played in the lives of Firebird’s company, and how the arts have helped them push back against harmful stereotypes and systems. It will include a comprehensive online archive of Firebird’s shows and history, new films commissioned for the project, and elements of performance.