Sighted Assumptions to Blind Imaginings

De-Centring Vision as Unexpected Dramaturgy

Authors

  • Alex Bulmer National Theatre School of Canada

Abstract

In this article, Canadian-born Blind theatre artist Alex Bulmer identifies the significant events that shaped and informed her dramaturgical practice over multiple decades. Alex reflects on (1) the access infrastructure within the UK that enabled her to develop deeper dramaturgical thinking; (2) a more profound and connected approach to dramaturgy that Alex discovered and developed as a series of “Blind Imaginings” practices; and (3) how this practice continues to de-centre visuality in performance.

Plain Language Abstract (adapted by Kelsie Acton with Daniel Foulds)

Alex Bulmer is a Blind theatre artist who was born in Canada. In this article, she talks about the events that have shaped how she makes plays. Alex thinks about:

  • The ways the UK supports access. This support let her think deeply about how plays mean and feel.
  • The ways of making plays mean and feel that Alex developed. Alex calls these “Blind Imaginings.”
  • The plays and creative projects the Blind Imaginings were developed for.
  • How Blind Imaginings can create plays and art where seeing is not as important to meaning making as hearing, touching, and remembering.

Author Biography

Alex Bulmer, National Theatre School of Canada

Alex Bulmer is an award-winning writer, actor, director and dramaturg with over thirty-five years of theatre making in Canada and the UK. Her plays have been produced for the BBC, CBC, international theatre companies, and outdoor festivals, including the London and Rio Olympic opening ceremonies. Her articles exploring Disabled-led dramaturgy and adaptive performing arts education have featured in The Canadian Theatre Review, Theatre Research in Canada, and the Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance. Alex is co-founder of the Blind-led Fire and Rescue Collective, creator of Blind Imaginings, and associate artist with the National Theatre School of Canada.

In greyscale, we see performer Connor Yuzwenko-Martin's (Deaf) profile from the waist up. His hands are signing through falling grain and his head is bent with closed eyes. The image has stark contrasts of white and black. Slim outlines of Connor’s arms and face catch light that otherwise seems reserved for the falling grain.

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Published

2025-12-19

How to Cite

Bulmer, Alex. 2025. “Sighted Assumptions to Blind Imaginings: De-Centring Vision As Unexpected Dramaturgy”. Performance Matters 11 (1–2). Vancouver:233–246. https://performancematters-thejournal.com/index.php/pm/article/view/575.

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1–2 (2025): Dramaturgies of Accessibility

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Alex Bulmer

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