A Liverpool woman's legacy: How Susan Segar's passion sparked a revolution at the Royal Court Theatre
A story of inspiration and inclusion
In a city known for its rich cultural heritage, one woman's determination has left an indelible mark on Liverpool's theatrical scene. Susan Segar, a young and passionate individual, embarked on a journey that would forever change the Royal Court Theatre's accessibility landscape.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should accessibility be a choice, or a fundamental right? And how did a simple box office role become a catalyst for change?
A Dramatic Turn of Events
Susan's story begins with a dramatic twist (quite literally!). After a dramatic childhood, she found her calling in a high school drama class. It was here that she first encountered the Royal Court Theatre's community engagement officer, Miriam Mussa, and her initiative, "Access All Areas." This program brought theatre practitioners into high schools, creating plays with drama students, and Susan was fortunate to be a part of it for over a year.
From Inspiration to Action
Miriam's work inspired Susan to join the Royal Court's youth theatre, and soon after, she found herself working at the box office. While many theatres have embraced online-only systems, Susan and her colleagues have kept the in-person service alive, providing a much-needed personal touch for theatregoers.
And this is the part most people miss: Susan's role went far beyond selling tickets. She brought her unique personal experiences to the forefront, determined to make a difference.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Inspired by her late grandmother, Hilda Segar, who was deaf, Susan dedicated herself to ensuring the deaf community had equal access to the theatre. She explained, "We offer a lot of accessible performances, especially BSL signed performances. I've been part of this community since I was little, and sign language has been a part of my life since I was two. I'm thrilled that the theatre provides this service, as it opens doors for those who may have never experienced live theatre before."
A Rapid Rise in Popularity
Just two years into her role, Susan played a pivotal part in making signed performances a regular feature at the Royal Court. The impact was immediate. Her grandmother, Hilda, spread the word to her friends at the deaf center on Queens Drive, and soon, the theatre became a popular destination for Liverpool's deaf community.
"They contacted me, wanting to book a large group for the Christmas show that year. From there, it just snowballed," Susan recalled.
A Lasting Impact
Despite Hilda's passing, the signed performances continue to draw large crowds. Every show with a signed performance sees at least 20-25 deaf individuals, interpreters, and their families or friends in attendance.
"On a personal level, it's heartwarming to see the club still attending the shows and expressing their gratitude. It's a testament to the impact my grandmother had and the legacy she left behind."
A Call to Action
Susan's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have. It raises important questions: Should accessibility be a privilege, or a right? How can we ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to cultural experiences?
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe that accessibility is a fundamental right, or is it a choice that should be left to individual institutions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
