Rogue Encounters shines a light on young people with disabilities
27th March, 2026
20 year-old Grace from Belfast was one of the stars of Rogue Encounters’ Marvellous Humans showcase in the Lyric Theatre this week. The sold-out show, supported by Arts Council NI through National Lottery funding, saw young people with a range of learning and physical disabilities take to the stage and shine a light on their creative skills.
Rogue Encounters run several projects for people with a range of abilities, with inclusion and diversity at the centre of their work. The showcase at the Lyric was a culmination of an 18-week course delivered in partnership with the Theatre and included performances from the young people and storytelling through film.
Grace has been attending drama classes at Rogue Encounters for over three years and it’s been a constant in her life while transitioning from school to college. Grace has Down Syndrome, a visual impairment and issues with mobility. When she first started drama she needed a lot of support with her movement and balance, but now she’s confident finding her own positions where she feels comfortable.
Grace’s mum Pepe Murphy says the work Rogue Encounters does with Grace has been transformative to their lives.
“Rogue Encounters get the best version of Grace every week because they give her an environment to thrive in,” explained Pepe.
“Grace has gained so much confidence since going to their Saturday drama class - from learning new skills, improving her mobility, making new friends, and also getting opportunities to perform shows.”
Grace added: “Drama is my favourite place to go. My best friend Katie is there. I get to see my friends and play games. When we have a show, I like being on stage and having everyone clapping for us.”
David Calvert, Artistic Director and co-founder of Rogue Encounters explained more about their work: “We're trying to make socially relevant theatre, that tells stories that are not normally heard, by people who are not always seen.
“At the Lyric, these young people will be standing up on the stage, in front of a full house, confidently expressing themselves, being visible in a positive light, and they will feel the enjoyment and appreciation of the audience.
“This is profoundly affirmative for the young people. It is also models inclusiveness in a way that is memorable, modelling the way society should be in terms of integration. It’s great for audience members to go away with those stage-images in their heads.”
David says the group couldn’t exist without the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and National Lottery funding, which has funded Rogue Encounters, formerly Kids in Control, through various programmes since it began in the 1990s.
Javier Stanziola, Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “Rogue Encounters reminds us that the stage belongs to everyone. Seeing young people of all abilities rehearsing and performing together is powerful evidence of how the arts sector in Northern Ireland is inclusive, bold and transformative.”
Find out more about Rogue Encounters.