Whose Story Is It? Disability, Women, and Authentic Casting

WHEN: 2:30-4:00PM, Sat, Apr 4

WHERE: Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre

This workshop explores the often-overlooked history of disability and women, examining how social attitudes, medical systems, and public policy have shaped the lives and bodies of disabled women. Participants will learn about the legacy of the eugenics movement, including the widespread practice of forced sterilization throughout the 20th century, when thousands of disabled women and girls in North America were deemed “unfit” to reproduce and were sterilized without their consent. These policies were rooted in harmful ideas about disability, sexuality, productivity, and worth—ideas that also influenced how disabled women were portrayed in culture, theatre, and film.

The session connects this history to contemporary conversations about disability representation and lived experience in the arts. Participants will explore how disabled characters have traditionally been written and performed, and why questions of authenticity—who tells the story and who performs it—matter today. Through discussion and examples from stage and screen, the workshop considers how artists, companies, and audiences can move toward more thoughtful and inclusive representations of disability. Grounded in both historical context and contemporary arts practice, this session invites participants to reflect on the role of lived experience, consultation, and community voice in shaping more authentic disability narratives.

This festival is generously supported by the Arts Club Theatre Company, Arts Club Youth & Access Commitee, and the City of Vancouver. Promethean is also supported by our incredible community with generous support from donors, volunteers, supporters, and collaborators. As a small theatre, Promethean needs all the help we can get. If you are able to, please consider topping up your ticket purchase with a donation. Your support will ensure we can grow and expand our capacity to help emerging artists jumpstart their careers.

Fates Fest is theatre festival/celebration dedicated to the advancement of femme and non-binary voices in key creative roles. This year Fates Fest (created and produced by Promethean Theatre) is excited to bring three staged readings, 2 co-presentations,all at the Olympic Village Stage and BMO Theatre Centre.

During the daytime, join us for free workshops, panels, staged readings, item swaps, and events for the community to engage, learn, and come together while celebrating the strength and joy of femme, gender-non conforming, and non-binary voices!

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Host or Publisher Promethean Theatre