BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Using their wheelchairs, artists Alice Sheppard and Laurel Lawson demonstrated movements they will showcase during a performance at Zoellner Arts Center.
Sheppard and Lawson are part of the disability arts ensemble, Kinetic Light, whose work is made by and for disabled people. Scenographer Michael Maag is also a member.
The pair led two workshops for about 30 people at DeSales University on Wednesday — three days before they take the stage at Zoellner Arts Center as part of Touchstone Theatre's Festival UnBound.
"Descent" explores wheeled movement and is performed on a custom-designed architectural ramp installation with hills, peaks and drops.
The audience, who are required to wear masks during the show, will be able to use accessibility tools during the show, including an app that uses an interface to access specially-developed sound content and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.
The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
'Disability and the arts'
Festival UnBound's theme this year is disability and the arts.
"Last year’s focus on issues of housing led us to think more deeply about all of the ways accessibility comes into play throughout all of our lives. At some point, if we live long enough, we’ll all need to deal with needing accommodations made for us," Mary Wright, director of Festival UnBound said.
The four-day festival includes performances by the ensemble theatre, local artists and organizers, and guest artists from Kinetic Light and Shoe Productions, a husband-and-wife duo based in London, England.
Most events are free, but registration is suggested for these events. Other events require a ticket purchase.
"Access and accessibility is an everyone issue. Accessibility goes beyond ramps. It is a way of approaching the world through the lens of “how do we make this as easy for everyone to come here?” whether that’s physical, emotional or financial," Wright said.
The full schedule
Twilight with Touchstone and stargazing: Eight arts "stations" will be set up throughout the Bethlehem Rose Garden where attendees can listen to percussion beats by Camille Who? and spoken word by poet Deirdre Van Walters.
There will also be a coffee shop with D. Unique’s poetic F.A.C.T., or Fall Accessibility Community Treats, plus an arts and crafts section inside the "school" and a library that will feature book giveaways and interactive storytelling. Patrons can bring a book to donate or to make a book exchange.
The finale will feature a short performance by Single Shoe Productions.
Following that, attendees can sing and dance along during a dazzling light parade through the garden's grounds.
After the parade, stick around for some stargazing during a guided look at the night sky with staff from the Easton-based Nature Nurture Center.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 and Friday, Oct. 4.
Where: Bethlehem Rose Garden, Eighth Avenue and West Union Boulevard.
"A Wall Between Us:" Single Shoe Productions presents its multimedia play which centers around the feeling of needing to belong.
The artists will use 220 cardboard boxes as part of the scenery during the 90-minute show.
"Single Shoe was here about eight years ago and performed one of the funniest, most poignant, brilliant pieces of theater I think I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait for other folks to see them," Wright said.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6.
Where: Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 River St.
Tickets: $25 or pay-what-you-will at the door.
The "Big Read" launch: Before the debut of "Descent" enjoy a sneak peek of Touchstone's season-long community-oriented events centered around themes such as disability, feminism and affordable housing.
Attendees will receive free copies of "Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body" by Rebekah Taussig.
When: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5.
Where: Zoellner Arts Center, 320 E. Packer Ave.
"Access and accessibility is an everyone issue. Accessibility goes beyond ramps. It is a way of approaching the world through the lens of “how do we make this as easy for everyone to come here?”Mary Wright, Touchstone Theatre
Inside disability arts and "Descent:" Kinetic Lights' artistic director Alice Sheppard will discuss the choreographic process and give behind-the-scenes info.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.
Where: Zoellner Arts Center, 320 E. Packer Ave.
"Another Point of View: 4 Visually Impaired Artists"
At an opening reception, the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission will present the work of four visually impaired artists, Mary Ann Dunwoodie, Michael Freeman, Dianne Michels and Terry Newhard.
Meet the artists, who will share their creative process and inspirations, along with ensemble members from Touchstone.
The exhibition will run through until Nov. 4.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.
Where: Bethlehem Town Hall Rotunda Gallery, 10 E. Church St.
Tales from the trail: Take a stroll with staff from Touchstone Theatre, in partnership with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, during a creative writing exercise on the South Bethlehem Greenway.
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.
Where: Amphitheater on the Greenway, between Webster and Taylor Streets.
Fiesta Unbound: The free celebration will feature interactive art-making and performances by Herencia Jibera, led by Daniel Class and featuring traditional music from Puerto Rico. Attendees are invited to bring their own instruments and play along with the band.
Safiya Hernandez, a local teen singer/songwriter, will also perform a set of original songs including her new single, "Sapphire."
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.
Where: Touchstone's Barrio Stage, 321 E. Fourth St., South Bethlehem
For more info, click here.
