Manning gives us the mean streets of L.A., a childhood straight out of hell and a liberation entirely of his own making.
Los Angeles Times
Weights
One Blind Man's Journey
by Lynn Manning
Directed by Robert Egan
Live Music by Gary Bergman
In 1978 Mr. Manning was a cocky 23-year-old with a new job and a hot date when he dropped into a Los Angeles bar. He left in an ambulance, having been shot in the head by a stranger who had taken a dislike to him. His identity in the world's view changed that day from black man to blind man.
Los Angeles Times
Extant, the first British blind theatre company, presents the UK premiere of WEIGHTS, a powerful performance that utilises prose, poetry, humour and live music accompaniment to tell the real-life story of Lynn Manning. A passionate and inspiring one-man show, WEIGHTS is about a man who has overcome tremendous obstacles in life. Lynn grew up as an impoverished child in the foster care system of South Central Los Angeles, the son of an abusive father and alcoholic mother. At the age of 23 he was shot in a senseless bar fight, losing his sight completely. The show traces Lynn's ultimate transcendence of the senseless violence that changed his life; his strength is how well he handles his personal disaster.
Yesterday, she said,
“I couldn't be so strong, if it happened to me.”
“You have to lift weights,” I quipped.
She laughed and tapped me on the bicep.
Sallis Benney Theatre, Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 0JY
Tuesday 22nd November 8:00pm
Box office: 01273 709709
£8 / £6 conc.
www.brighton.ac.uk/gallery-theatre
Train – Nearest main line train station, Brighton. Advisable to take a taxi from the station rank – 5 min journey.
All busses that come into Brighton stop near the theatre. Ask for the stop nearest the Brighton Pavilion. The Theatre is opposite the King and Queen pub, and is in the art college, which is part of the university of Brighton.
The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU
Thursday 24th November 7:30pm
Box Office: 0121 333 2444
£4:50 / £2 conc.
www.the-drum.org.uk
Busses 7, 33, 34, 51 and 52 can be taken from city centre to the Drum. 15 min journey -Ask for New Town swimming baths stop on the High Street. Walk back to pelican crossing and turn left on other side of the road. About ten yards ahead turn right into Potters lane to find the Drum.
Waterside Arts Centre, Waterside Plaza, Sale, Cheshire, M33 7ZF
Fri 25th Nov 8:00pm
Box Office: 0161 912 5616
£8 / £6 conc.
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk
From both Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria main line train stations take the Altringham tram and alight at Sail. Exit the tram station and directly outside is a pelican crossing. When on the other side turn left, cross one side road, pass the Kings Ransom pub, when you will find yourself on the Waterside Plaza. The arts centre is straight ahead, and a ramp leads straight up to the box office.
Tobacco Factory Theatre, Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol. BS3 1TF
Sun 27th Nov 8:00pm
Box Office: 0117 902 0344
£10 / £7conc.
www.tobaccofactory.com
The Tobacco Factory is in Southville, South Bristol, on the junction between > Raleigh Road and North Street. The nearest bus stops are on Raleigh Road with bus numbers 24 or 25 stopping immediately opposite the Tobacco Factory.
Getting into the Tobacco Factory:
The entrance to the Tobacco Factory is on Raleigh Road. The building is entered up one stop on the right hand side and a ramp to your left. There are two sets of double doors that open manually inwards that lead into the box office area.
Inside the Tobacco Factory:
The Box Office is on your left hand side as you enter. If you require assistance please do not hesitate to ask here. In front of you on the left hand side are the stairs leading to the theatre.
Five stairs lead to a small landing. The stairs continue to your right. Seven stairs lead to another small landing. Again the stairs continue on your right. There are another five stairs leading to another landing. Again, stairs continue on your right to a final set of seven stairs leading to the theatre level.
The theatre is on your right hand side through two sets of double doors. The door on your right hand side of both sets will be secured open. This leads into the bar area in front of you. The bar is on your right. Access to the auditorium is on your right passed the bar.
The Tobacco Factory Theatre is fully wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop system. Seating in the Tobacco Factory is unreserved. If you have specific seating requirements please let the Box Office know on 0117 902 0344.
Oval House Theatre, 52-54 Kennington Oval, London. SE11 5SW
Tues 29th Nov – Sat 3rd Dec
Tues 6th Dec – Sat 10th Dec 7:45pm
Box Office: 020 7582 7680
£12 / £6 conc
www.ovalhouse.com
Oval Underground Station
Oval House Theatre is an easy one-minute walk from Oval underground station, with no road crossings. The station, served by the Northern Line, has one exit. Turn left out of the station, and walk with the building line on your left. Oval House Theatre is at a distance of about 130 metres. The busy road on your Right is the Kennington Oval.
You may hear or see a bus stop about half way along your route, at the kerb. To your left, there's a red brick building with huge lettering, saying 'this Is Oval House Theatre', blue writing on a white background. 10 metres before the theatre, there is a tactile pavement marking. Turn left into the theatre car park. A short entrance path dissecting the car park leads to double manual doors at the theatre entrence. If you overshoot The turn to the theatre, there's no obvious sign, other than the pavement dips and rises again as though to a side road.
Bus routes 36, 185 and 436
These buses go via Kennington Oval, the road adjacent to the theatre. From the south, ask for the Oval. The bus will drop you on the Oval House Theatre Side of the road.
From the bus stop, turn right and walk for 60 or 70 metres then turn left into the theatre. On leaving the theatre, you need to cross the main road to get to your return bus stop. Come out of the theatre, turn right and after 10 metres or so, you Will find the tactile pavement surface marking the main road crossing. It is pedestrian controlled and has an audible bleep. There is no island in the Middle.
On reaching the opposite pavement, turn right. After a few paces you reach a down kerb and a side road. This is the entrance to the Oval Cricket Ground.
Cross this side road and immediately you are at another textiled down kerb marking a second side road. This turning serves an estate so traffic, though two way, is limited. With due care this road may be crossed safely. The bus stop is 50 metres further on. Note that on this side of the main road the bus shelter is on the building line, not at the kerb.
From the north, you need, of course, to reverse the instructions given immediately above. The bus will drop you on the opposite side to the theatre and you will need to cross the main road, Kennington Oval.
Turn left off the bus, walk for 50 metres or so until you reach a down kerb and the first of two side roads. Cross both of these and on the second up kerb start looking out for the tactile markings for the main road crossing just a few paces on. Cross the main road and turn right. The Oval House is on your left after about 10 metres.
On leaving the Oval House, turn right and walk for 60 metres, with the guiding road on your left. The bus shelter is on your left at the kerb.
Vauxhall British Rail Station
The theatre is about a 15 minute walk from Vauxhall Station, and feasible with sighted help and an A to Z.If alone, take the Victoria Line from Vauxhall one stop south to Stockwell and change onto the Northern Line north-bound one stop to the Oval.
Notes:
The Oval Cricket Ground is a useful landmark since the entrance is virtually opposite Oval House Theatre.
For further information about all public transport in London call, 0207 222 1234.
Directions inside the theatre
The café is to the left and the box office to the right. Oval House staff are friendly and helpful. If you would like assistance in moving round the theatre, please ask at the box office.
Croydon Clocktower, Katherine Street, Surrey. CR9 1ET
Mon 12th Dec 8:00pm
Box Office: 020 8253 1030
£10 / £6conc.
www.croydon.gov.uk/clocktower
The nearest tram stops are on George Street and Wellesley Road. Bus Stops for all the major bus routes are on Katharine Street, Park Street and on Park Lane by the Nestle Building and across the road by Fairfield.
Getting into Croydon Clocktower
The entrance to Croydon Clocktower is on Katharine Street. The building is entered down a flight of shallow steps with edges marked in white and handrails on both sides.
With your back to Katharine Street, there is a ramp to the right hand side of the main steps. It is by the statue of Queen Victoria.
There are three sets of double doors that open automatically, inwards, which lead into the main foyer of the building.
Getting around the building
The Ticket Office for general enquiries and the purchase of all tickets is on the left as you enter. If you require assistance, please ask here. Another set of sliding doors leads to the Court area. The Central Library is straight ahead across the Court. To the left are the Tourist Information Centre, Toilets, Riesco Gallery, and the lift and stairs to the Cinema, Braithwaite Hall and Workshops. The Cafe is to the right.
All public areas of the building have lift or ramped access. Two wheelchairs are available for use while you are in the building. You can let us know you need these in advance, by contacting the Ticket Office on 020 8253 1030 or when you arrive. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome all over the building. Water is provided by the Court lift entrance.
There is public seating in the corridor near the main entrance doors, on the first floor by the lift, in the Library and in the Balcony Bar area.
Central Library
All areas of the Library can be accessed by using the lift or escalators. Please ask the staff if you would prefer to use a staircase. The library is arranged over four floors, which are entered through automatically opening gates on the Ground Floor. As you come through the gates the Customer Services Desk is to your left; please ask for help here.
If you would like further information about the shows or the companies involved please contact Turtle Key Arts on 020 8964 5060 [email protected]