A new play that is inspired by the life of a Galway disability activist is embarking on a nationwide tour.
"No Magic Pill" is based on the experiences of Martin Naughton, a wheelchair user who spent his life campaigning for improved conditions for those with disabilities.
Born in An Spideál in Co Galway in 1954, Mr Naughton had spinal muscular atrophy.
After spending most of his childhood in hospital, he went on to be a vocal advocate, unafraid to challenge convention and agitate for societal changes.
Mr Naughton founded the Centre for Independent Living in 1991, in an effort to provide alternative arrangements for those in institutional care.
The Galway native died in 2016.
Playwright Christian O'Reilly, says he wanted to honour his friend, and tell his story by showing the type of person he was.
"When I met Martin, almost 30 years ago, that experience changed my life and changed how I saw disability, making it something I really cared about", said Mr O’Reilly.
"I hope people will be entertained but also that it might lead to audiences questioning their own perceptions", Mr O’Reilly added.
The show features disabled and non-disabled actors and will travel to Dublin, Ennis and Longford, following the opening shows in Galway this weekend.
For actors Peter Kearns and Sorcha Curley, the casting is an important way to ensure the work properly reflects the subject matter.
"It’s not just an equality issue, it's about the aesthetic of having disabled actors on stage. Non-disabled actors act the impairment, whereas we don’t have to act" said Mr Kearns.
Every performance will have audio description, sign language provision and additional spaces for wheelchairs to ensure the tour is as accessible as possible.
After show debates are also scheduled, with cast and crew discussing issues raised, examining what needs to be done to make sure those with disabilities have access to things that others take for granted.
Ms Curley, who plays the character of Ursula, said "the show is very much about choice, and the choices we make, along with those Martin made back then, which led to changes which impact on all of us."
And while the work undertaken by Mr Naughton led to a shift in perceptions, there’s a feeling that more still needs to be done.
"I feel we’re telling the stories of a lot of people… Seán is non-verbal, Josie is a carer, I’m a wheelchair user….all those people still need to see improvements when it comes to accessible housing, transport and care provision" added Ms. Curley.
No Magic Pill will be staged in Longford, Ennis and Dublin between now and the end of the month.
