Exceptional & Extraordinary: unruly bodies and minds in the medical museum

About

Acclaimed artists take over the Royal College of Physicians, home to medicine for almost 500 years, to bring their bodies, minds and provocative visions to the fore in the first of two special events.

Embark on an extraordinary, interactive theatrical journey with Julie McNamara as she delves museum collections to tell stories of ‘the mad, the bad and the unruly’ living in our midst in Hold The Hearse!  An activist in disability arts and vociferous spokeswoman for mental health survivors, award-winning Julie describes herself as 'a mad woman made good'.

David Hevey’s exceptional film ‘The fight for life’ examines the precarious and hostile world facing many people with disabilities today. In this unsettling new work he explores how disabled people increasingly face questions around just who is – and who isn’t – worth the biomedical resources and technology to live longer and empowered lives.

David’s remarkable output includes the BBC series, The Disabled Century and he was recently described by the Huffington Post as ‘one of the leading documentary makers of a generation’.

In addition to the performances, there’s an exclusive opportunity to view a re-staging of the museum’s highly-praised exhibition ‘Re-framing disability: portraits from the Royal College of Physicians’, winner of the Ability Media International award.

Adding extra dimensions to the evening are a drinks reception, the chance to join in discussion with a panel of performers and invited experts, and the space to handle a selection of the exceptional objects that have inspired these extraordinary new works of art.

An amazing conclusion to a truly unruly and unique experience.

Advance booking essential. See website for details.

5.30pm : Drinks reception and exhibition viewing

6.30pm : Performances followed by panel discussion