Theatre Troupe On Last Wheels

By Kirk Gresser

Brantford, Ontario: home of the Great One, Scott Merritt, Scott B, and The Rolling Thunder Theatre Company, a group of actors with and without disabilties.

After 600 shows in 60 cities, Rolling Thunder is on the brink of bankruptcy. Without long-term funding from the provincial government, this valuable advocate for disability pride in Ontario will surely disappear.

Al Sunisloe, an actor with the group since 1989, says he is disappointed that even with
a new play, upcoming gigs and the chance for another grant, it looks like the company will fold.

"I will lose the best job I ever had and the province will lose its cheapest means of educating students, employees and the general public," said Al, who has cerebral palsy. Al uses an alphabet board to communicate and a walker for the 400 shows he has done with Thunder.

Craig Farrel is new to Thunder but his visual impairment gave him an opportunity to act -- "something I love to do," says Craig, who is 20. "Working for Rolling Thunder has helped me feel comfortable with my blindness -- oops, ’visual inconvenience’ -- that’s what Kirk calls it. This is a great company and it would be a shame if it went under."

Thunder has just written to the Minister of Culture and Communications requesting a formal meeting to detail the history of the troupe and to let some past and present members explain that Rolling Thunder is being denied access to Ontario’s culture. The Ontario Arts Council has not funded Thunder in the past because -- in their words -- "they are not professional enough."

Rolling Thunder has submitted another grant proposal to the Office for Disability Issues, but monies that may or may not come are many months away and the bailiff may be knocking soon. If you would like to help, send a letter to the Minister of Communications and ask why Rolling Thunder can’t secure ongoing funding to help educate and interrelate with the rest of the province.

Rolling Thunder is currently working on ideas such as employment equity and bridging the gap between the disability and seniors’ communities for the next generation.

Rolling Thunder’s play this season is called Silver Lining. It is the story of two towns, "Crippville" and "Normaltown", and the "Berlin Wall of Shame" that separates them. Silver Lining is a comedy suitable for grades three to adult.

Rolling Thunder charges a small performance fee that is negotiable. For more information or bookings, call (519) 756 4076 or (519) 752 3646.

(Kirk Gresser is the director of the Rolling Thunder Theatre Company.)