Creative Journeys Involving Adults With Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities: Co‐Development in Multi‐Sensory Theatre

ABSTRACT Background The last decade has seen developments in collaborative multi‐sensory theatre and dramatic performance involving individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The current study investigated co‐development processes used by a multi‐sensory theatre company that employed four artists with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Methods A qualitative approach was adopted, involving preliminary observations and in‐depth interviews with 10 individuals who performed different roles in the company. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Findings Three themes emerged, centring around concepts of interactional ‘space’: the space between (how meanings were co‐constructed); the space around (how the dramatic narrative was coproduced); the space beyond (how collaboration occurred in the live multi‐sensory show). A fourth theme, the journey, connected all the spaces in a process of learning and changing, enjoyment, having a voice and developing the narrative. Conclusions Through participating in co‐creative processes of artistic development, people with profound and multiple learning disabilities can share their expertise and contribute to the sensory theatrical shows as artists in their own right.