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faq [faq]- noun. [C] abbreviation for frequently asked question: a question in a list of questions and answers intended to help people understand a particular subject Why shyster? shyster is an obscure word, the original meaning of which is a 'crooked lawyer' or 'conman'. This can translate quite easily to the notion of acting as the deliberate and skilled art of pretence. In some regions of the country the word has quite negative connotations, akin to swearing. For the company it is however a 'positive-negative' word. It implies a degree of craft and cleverness as well as an acknowledgement of the darker side of life, qualities not traditionally acknowledged within the context of learning disability. It's also a name that sticks, once heard it's never forgotten. It's also a word that we have taken over and adapted for our own purposes, as you can see from our definition of the word on our website homepage.
What is shysterness? As a company we are proud of our achievements. We believe that we have developed an artistic territory that has at its heart the exploration of the creativity of the actor with learning disabilities. We have always been comfortable with the notion that it is our unique individuality as people that creates our theatre. We are happy to talk about a 'learning disability culture' and also feel we have made a contribution to its development. However 'learning disability' is a label and as such something the company's actors frequently and understandably reject. This is where the word 'shyster' helps us. We are using it to transform and celebrate the notion of learning disability, and develop the concept of shysterness. We have found great integrity in the word shyster and its associated phrases, which can now describe not only who we are, but how we work and what we create. What's more, we've learnt that anyone can find their inner shyster.
What kind of theatre do the shysters make? The best description of our work is that it is on the borderlines of 'theatre, dance & mime'. This is technically correct but a bit uninspiring! We have used phrases such as physical theatre, total theatre, or non-text-based theatre as well to try to sum up in words what is essentially a non-verbal activity. The best way to get to know what kind of theatre we make is to see a show, talk to us, or read some articles and reviews about us.
Why do the shysters only work with actors with learning disabilities? That's not true actually; we are happy to work with anyone. But the core of our work derives from the creativity of the actor with learning disabilities and in order to explore this fully and effectively we need time and space to do this exclusively.
How do the shysters find their actors? There are no formal training routes for people with learning disabilities who want to pursue a career in theatre. The actors have spent a considerable number of years as part of the company training in the performing arts and creating work, at the same time. We have set up the shystershadows to address some of the future training needs of young people with learning disabilities in Coventry and to help us find new actors to join the shysters.
Are there opportunities for me to work with the company? Yes. We welcome opportunities to set up work placements, and other ways in which people can get to know how we work. We are currently engaged in setting up a three-year training programme for artists who want to get more intimately involved in the creative work of the company as a partnership project involving Arts & Media Training, based in Coventry.
Does the company run regular classes or workshops? No we don't generally run regular classes or workshops, except those specifically for young people with learning disabilities, working as part of the shystershadows.
Can I watch/photograph workshops? No, unfortunately this is not possible. Without wishing to appear too much as luvvies, the creative process is often sensitive and personal, and having people observe work can interfere with this.
Are there any videos/audios of the work? We have edited highlights of some of our shows that are available under special circumstances in video, DVD and audiotape format, but only if we know you well!
How are the shysters funded? From various sources, from the Arts Council of England, Coventry City Council, The Heart of England Community Foundation and a variety of trusts. We also need to earn a significant amount of money from our Partner Project work each year.
Can the shysters send me any information? All the information you might want will be downloadable shortly from the website. In the meantime contact us if you want particular information about past shows, reviews, and articles written about us.
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