Laois people feature in new radio documentary 'Are Ya Blind Or What?'

A new radio documentary featuring Laois people with visual impairments will air this week on local radion.

The documentary has been produced by Laois radio presenter and award winning program maker Ann Marie Kelly from Abbeyleix.

Are Ya Blind or What? follows 30 blind or visually impaired people, including nine people from Laois, over the space of a year in the process of making a radio play which went on to screen in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

They are being prepared for the live radio play via weekly workshops, by the founder of Sightless Cinema Network, Ciaran Taylor.

During rehearsals, Ann Marie Kelly uses the opportunity to speak to members about their lives and how they live without light. 

The documentary is the result of months and months of conversations, train journeys and rehearsals.

Are Ya blind or what? is about the ability for members to let the light in, even when you cannot see. The documentary reveals that it's not always about the Radio Play or the performance, but rather the journey.

“That's where the magic really happens, and we don't realise it until we walk away from it. Spending time with those who are visually impaired helped me to realise when you cannot look outward you can only look within, because that is where the true beauty lies,” Ann Marie explains.

The radio documentary features Sightless Cinema Laois members and various members from Tallaght and Navan.

Laois participant in the Sightless Cinema Network, Ger McHugh.

 ‘Sightless Cinema Network’ is a collaboration between South Dublin, Meath and Laois County Council Arts Offices, and theatre artist Ciarán Taylor, in partnership with Solstice Arts Centre, Dunamaise Arts Centre and The Civic Theatre, with the National Council of the Blind of Ireland.

It is funded by the collaboration partners and by The Arts Council under the Invitation to Collaboration Scheme.

The 48 minute long radio documentary will air on Midlands 103 at 11am on Tuesday, February 20.