CUTTING EDGE THEATRE
Theatre director Suzanne Lofthus had one main goal when she started the Inspire project – to give people with physical and learning disabilities a chance to achieve their potential, and hopefully their dreams. “We use drama to build their confidence and selfesteem, to improve their vocal abilities where that’s possible and just to have a better quality of life,” says Suzanne. She set up Inspire, beginning with one class in Fife, and last year funding of £48,880 from The National Lottery People’s Projects enabled the group to expand and tour its own production, Downs with Love. She formed Cutting Edge Theatre in 1995, developing projects and productions with adults and children who are disadvantaged, in the UK and overseas. Five years ago, she was asked to teach a group with disabilities and fell in love with the idea of using drama to make a difference in their lives.
Inspire classes now run in schools and in Fife College and Suzanne says the aim is to start with children at primary age then follow them into adulthood.
Downs with Love was created when Abigail Brydon came to a class and told Suzanne she wanted to act.
“We said ‘OK, let’s build a play around you’,” recalls Suzanne. “Abigail has Down’s Syndrome so we developed Downs with Love which looks at why we struggle with the idea of someone with a disability being in a relationship with someone who doesn’t. It’s about challenging perceptions.”
Acting has certainly had a big impact on its lead actress. “I can definitely see a difference in my confidence,” Abigail says.
The People’s Projects funding means Inspire can cover the costs of touring the play into 10 venues across Scotland, perform at the World Down’s Syndrome Congress, and hire actors to deliver extra sessions.