Resistance

In cultureShock, Entertainment by Shaun Dawson

In his autobiography “And There Was Light”, Jacques Lusseyran tells the tale of how he was blinded in an accident at the age of 8, became a teenage member of the French Resistance during WWII: was betrayed, captured and subsequently interrogated by Nazi SS officers, leading to his final incarceration in Bushenwald concentration camp.

Jacques managed to use his blindness as a foil, exposing the prejudices of the Nazi SS; they couldn’t believe a blind man capable.

Adapted for the stage by a blind writer Maria Oshodi, Resistance uses physical theatre, experimental dance and live audio description (cleaverly incorporated with the script; no audience members have to wear headphones.)

Through several research and development projects Extant have evolved new methods of blind stage-craft improving the creative access for visually impaired performers and audiences within theatre.

Performed by six professional blind and Visually Impaired actors, Resistance unfolds with a tense and excting narrative.

The action flicks between time, perceptions and perspectives to uncover the deep mystery at its heart and of Jacques’ discovery through his blindness of a deeper perceptual awareness of the world.

Resistance tours nationally from the 4th March till 1st May 2005.