Hartlepool-born writer, director and Disability rights activist Vici talks about discovering counter-culture while growing up in a pit village in the East Durham coalfield. She shares her memories of moving to London where “the streets were paved with punk”, her love of bands including New Model Army and Spear Of Destiny, and of being inspired by the DIY ethos of the movement.

Vici talks about the evolution of her career as a theatre-maker. She recalls her award-winning work in the Republic of Ireland, her part in holding one of the first disability arts festivals, and her decision to return to the north-east to make work that reflects the lives of her and her friends, including her 2025 production ‘Unruly’.

Vici talks about her conditions, mental and physical, about the urgent challenges facing Disabled people in Britain today, and the political necessity of being a Disability Rights Activist. She discusses society’s obsession with perfection, the good and the bad in the high-profile media surrounding the London 2012 Paralympics, and how the struggle for equity continues.

She also pays homage to her fellow travellers, and some of the many trailblazers and inspirational figures in the disabled arts world.

Interviewed by Claire Raftery. Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright.

Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com

The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.

Now celebrating their 20th year, Urban Kaos Dance Company is led by Stockton-based founders Amy and Kelly. They recall their life-long dancing careers and the evolution of the company - from their rebellion against the body perfectionism of professional dance to forming their own ethos where movement is for everyone.

They talk about their work which has reached thousands of people of all sizes, shapes, ages and backgrounds, including in community centres and schools, with an asylum support group and in Young Offenders Centres. They speak about their award-winning company and how they turned down Dragon’s Den - because they’re not franchiseable. And all of this born from the night they saw a field full of unicorns just off the A1.

Interview by Lynne Lawson. Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright.

Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com

The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.