b'SanctuaryThoughtfulTouchingA Joyous CelebrationThese are just some of the ways critics are responding to As with any Blue Teapot production, the actors play a largeSanctuarya play produced by Galways Blue Teapot Theatre role in the voice of the play and the preparation. But forCompany. Blue Teapot is an innovative organization that Sanctuary, the topic was the most personal and relevantoffers people with intellectual disabilities theatrical train- ever tackled. Writing Sanctuarywas a hugely collaborativeing and opportunities through their ensemble company, process, says Christian. Petal commissioned me to takeoutreach program and performing arts school.it on and I immediately began holding workshops with theSanctuarydebuted in Galway in 2012. Directed by Blue nine actors. They spoke to me of their own experiences andTeapotTheatreDirectorPetalPilleyandwrittenbyit gave me huge confidence in the material because they playwright Christian OReilly it explores the relationship authenticated it. of two intellectually disabled adults, Larry and Sophie, who The result is a production that has now played to sold-are in love, yet face challenges in finding the opportunity to out audiences and standing ovations at both the Galwaybe intimate. When the other residents of their group home Arts Festival and the Dublin Fringe Festival. Critics haveattend a movie, Larry and Sophie plotwith the help of a lauded the production calling it brilliant and insightful. carer to steal away for a few hours to a hotel across the But in the beginning, none of this was assured as Petalstreet. The results are heart-warming, humorous, and Pilley explains. Sanctuarytackles a bold and brave subjectchallenge the misperception that people with intellectual matter yet The Ireland Funds got it. They came to see usdisabilities cannot responsibly express such feelings.here in Galway and talk to the cast about the production andThe idea of exploring sex and people with intellectual we received a key grant.Sanctuary simply would not havedisabilities was fascinating, says Christian OReilly. It is happened without that initial funding. And the secondsomething we take for granted yet the difficulties these round of funding then allowed us to travel to Dublin andadults face is significant. Many live with their parents,showcase this production at the Dublin Fringe Festival.others live in group homes with little privacy.Christian concludes, The play is saying somethingthat matters. When youre invited into a world and thatworld is so generous to you, it is humbling and awesome.People with intellectual disabilities have an incrediblestory to tell and we need to listen. connect2014 | 23'