Vital Xposure’s commitment to social justice intrinsically links climate justice and disability justice. As with many social issues, disabled people are being marginalised by the causes of climate change and disproportionately affected by the consequences. Furthermore, the development of solutions that do not factor in disabled people’s voices leads to measures taken in the name of environmentalism that adversely affect disabled people. A movement that aims to tackle huge worldwide issues cannot have truly holistic effects without actively listening to and including the voices of disabled people.

At Vital Xposure, as a disabled-led company, we continue to seek equitable solutions toward environmental sustainability, without compromising access.

This year over 50% of our set, costume, and props for …blackbird hour was sourced second-hand or made from recycled materials. This was in excess of Theatre Green Book’s criteria for the Basic Standard. After the production was completed, 95% of items, materials and costumes went on to a second life. This included donations to other theatre companies and charities, such as the Hackney Night Shelter.

There is a fantastic network of groups and communities that are working together to create a more cyclical industry, such as the Set, Swap, Cycle Facebook group, Set-Exchange and A Good Thing (which links charities with other charities that can use unwanted items).

In more financially tight and more environmentally aware times we should aim to build on our networks to share, borrow and loan. Perhaps there is a potential for shared databases and a better way of communicating with each other about what is gathering dust in our cupboards and storerooms, ready for our peers to use.

Trains were the preferred mode of travel on tour with due care about alternatives – such as car or taxis – where essential to ensure that people’s access requirements were met.

Thinking and planning for sustainability can be part of the artistic process too: collaboration is key and this was vital during …blackbird hour. All creatives in the production made conscious, environmentally friendly choices with a commitment to transformation and regeneration, not just starting from scratch – and with lots of second-hand purchases or donated items where possible – whilst working their magic to create the play’s immersive world. At the end of the production, members of our crew actively helped by connecting with local charities and rural touring companies to donate many items.

We are very proud of the teamwork and for having achieved Theatre Green Book’s Basic Standard!

Moving forward, we will aim for the Intermediate Standard, building on what we learnt so far. On this journey, disability justice, accessibility and collaboration with artists, creatives crew and venue partners will remain vital.

For now: check out our shiny new Theatre Green Book badge!

Blog photo by Seye Isikalu.