Pioneering disabled-led theatre company Graeae, launch their long awaited biographical book Reasons to be Graeae: A work in progress, published by Oberon Books and edited by Jenny Sealey MBE, CEO & Artistic Director.

Reasons to be Graeae: A Work in Progress is a gloriously rich exploration of the talented people that have made Graeae Theatre Company what it is today; a force for change in world-class theatre, that places D/deaf and disabled actors centre stage and challenges preconceptions. Graeae is a company that refuses to be relegated to the sidelines and this book highlights the struggle for equality and the fight to be included within the creative industry.

Interwoven with a brief history on the company, analysis and extracts from their previous shows, exclusive materials from artists and previous collaborators including the full script of Graeae’s hit shows Reasons to be Cheerful and Sorry that both illustrate the political theatricality and scope of the company.

Jack Thorne says: 'I'm so proud to be part of a celebration of Graeae. A church for disability, and a constant leading light for what this country should be, Reasons to be Graeae celebrates the contagious anarchy of their greatness.'

The book is a multi-voiced, polemic history lesson on Graeae’s fascinating story; from activism, the fight for equality, conquering the mainstream and becoming the internationally renowned company it is today. It is told through an eclectic mix of stories that vividly illustrate Graeae being at the heart of the personal and political journey of many prominent artists and collaborators working in the industry. The book exposes the reality of what it means to be a D/deaf and disabled artist.

It is a rare insight into the practices and processes of the company, the collaborative ethos of working with a gloriously diverse group of artists, highlighting the immense skill and creativity within the D/deaf and disabled community. The book also illustrates how the unique theatrical language associated with the company developed and evolved.

Jenny Sealey says: 'I’m so proud to be approaching our 40th anniversary with this celebration of - and tribute to - the many extraordinary D/deaf and disabled artists and collaborators that we’ve had the privilege to work with over the last 4 decades, and who have helped made Graeae the force for change we are today.'

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