New Disability Inclusive Theatre, L'Enfant Rebelle, Opens in D.C.

L'Enfant Rebelle Theatre just opened its doors to the media today revealing a unique mission already in the making.

The new disability inclusive non-profit theatre company released an official website and video advertisement today to launch the start of their media and fundraising campaign. The professional theatre, which has been in development since early 2012, shared that a unique change is expected to be seen in the District's theatre arts community, with previews of their inaugural season beginning as early as December.

The promotional video titled "Staring Back- a View from the Other Side" highlights actors both able and disabled giving testimony about their experiences in professional theatre. The line advocacy commercial brings about a curiosity in the company's mission as the voice of a young woman with Down syndrome shares her experience of trying to break into the acting community. Among the actors represented are paraplegics, military veterans, and those living with cognitive disabilities.

Under the direction of founder and Executive Artistic Director, L.J. Whalen, the theatre company is the newest of its kind in the District's professional theatre scene.

"All too often, new theatre companies strive too hard to simply be 'different.' This company, although unique, doesn't aim for difference, but rather the beauty found among our differences." Whalen says.

"Our mission is not to further separate disabled actors from professional theatre, but rather to seamlessly include them alongside D.C.'s finest actors, developing a new spin on original and classic productions."

The company anticipates releasing season selections and locations as early as the January 1st 2016. The video can be viewed below, while more information regarding the theatre can be found at www.lenfantrebelletheatre.com.