Words Weekend 2019
Jackie Hagan: This Is Not A Safe Space
Jackie Hagan is a council estate queer with one leg. The multi award winning playwright, stand-up comedian, poet, theatre-maker and activist brings us a stripped-back version of her award-winning Unlimited commission ‘This is Not a Safe Space‘.
“Very Funny. a hymn to those who are hanging on by their fingertips” – The Guardian
“Politically Urgent” – The Stage
Based on interviews with 80 people on disability benefits and in response to her massive cob-on about the representation of working class and disabled people on telly and in theatre. Expect angry poetry about being the undeserving poor, some stump action, the opportunity to win a Fray Bentos pie and expect to leave feeling like you’ve had a kick and a cuddle to the heart.
“A perfect antidote to … Benefits Street” – Disability Arts Online
“Fabulous subtlety and wit” – Emma Thompson
More Info:
Start time: 2pm
Venue: Northern Rock Foundation Hall
As everyone deserves equal access to entertainment, every event in Words Weekend will be accessible. In addition to the gold standard access provision at Sage Gateshead, all events will be BSL interpreted and there will be a roaming interpreter facilitating conversations throughout the venue.
Words Weekend will post a Social Story on their website for anyone who might find new situations difficult and would like to know what to expect from the festival. Sage Gateshead also offer short familiarisation visits.
We request that everyone is tolerant to the needs of other audience members, some of whom might need to take a break from a space during an event, for example. Lighting will be raised slightly higher than usual, sound levels will be limited at most events and more comfortable seating options will be offered in some spaces. Please remember that not all disabilities or health conditions are visible. If you have any questions please contact info@wordsweekend.com.