Relaxed performance. Promoting creative wellbeing for all

Abstract

Many people living with disabilities in Norway face barriers that prevent their full participation in arts and cultural activities. This is despite international human rights and national laws mandating equal opportunities for all citizens to access and enjoy cultural experiences, including the theatre. Relaxed performances are intended to make the theatre experience more accessible and enjoyable for audiences who typically feel excluded from the theatre due to strict theatre etiquette and other barriers. This chapter presents findings from a participatory action research project that evaluated the implementation of Norway’s first relaxed performance initiative at Hålogaland Teater (HT). The overarching goal of this chapter is to explore and analyse how access to theatre experiences and the theatre experiences in themselves can support human and community flourishing, contributing to creative wellbeing for all. The findings illustrate that HT has effectively created a space where individuals could not only thrive and flourish, but also nurture their interests and sense of identity. Central to this discussion is the advocacy for prioritising the facilitation of relaxed performances to ensure equitable access to experiences and activities that foster self-realisation, growth, and happiness.