Are You Blind Or What?

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 12:00

The radio documentary follows 30 blind or visually impaired people over the space of a year in the process of making a radio play.

Are you blind or what? is a radio documentary, following 30 blind or visually impaired people over the space of a year in the process of making a radio play. The founder of ‘Sightless Cinema Network’, Ciaran Taylor, is preparing them for the live radio play via weekly workshops. During rehearsals, Ann-Marie Kelly uses the opportunity to speak to members about their lives and how they live without light. The documentary is the result of months and months of conversations, train journeys and rehearsals.

Are you blind or what? is about the ability for members to let the light in, even when you cannot see. The documentary reveals that it's not always about the Radio Play or the performance, but rather the journey.

According to Ann Marie “That's where the magic really happens, and we don't realise it until we walk away from it. Spending time with those who are visually impaired helped me to realize when you cannot look outward you can only look within, because that is where the true beauty lies”.

The radio documentary features nine Sightless Cinema Laois members and various members from Tallaght and Navan. ‘Sightless Cinema Network’ is a collaboration between South Dublin, Meath and Laois County Council Arts Offices, and theatre artist Ciarán Taylor, in partnership with Solstice Arts Centre, Dunamaise Arts Centre and The Civic Theatre, with the National Council of the Blind of Ireland.

It is funded by the collaboration partners and by The Arts Council under the Invitation to Collaboration Scheme.