Dreamscapes of Disability

Dreamscapes of Disability

After living off-grid for several years to learn about the land and my monsters, which you can read about in Gate to the Wormhole, I moved back to Missoula, MT. I started attending all-abilities comedy improv at BASE, Missoula’s all-abilities community center, which opened my heart and challenged my mind. I also became close friends with Michael Beers, a local stand-up comedian and disability rights activist, one of the founders of BASE. I slowly found my voice within this colorful, shame-free environment! Mistakes, failure and weirdness are applauded and welcomed within an all-abilities comedy improv workshop. I learned about belonging, interdependence, friendship, listening, humility and shared laughter within this group of differently abled folks.

I wonder if what we currently define as “people with disabilities” could help guide us toward a deeper realization of our interdependence.

I wonder if ability could someday exist as a spectrum.

I wonder how it would feel if we all lived together with more play, failure, humor and understanding.

Below you will see an incredible mural project called “Dreamscapes of Disability”!

“Disability (visible and invisible) is normal, natural and according to some it is an art. Sooner or later, its mysteries touch nearly everyone. BASE Collective is a group of artists who travel side-by-side in the lively caravan of All Abilities, giving and receiving support. Together, we dove deep in search of symbolic images that were recognizable and important to each of us. In mythic images, we encounter disability as part of nature and history; the light and dark magic of medical care; the unique challenges and triumphs of life in our community; and the stark choices we will face in a destabilized future.

As the mind explores a symbol,” Carl Jung wrote, “it is led to ideas that lie beyond the grasp of reason.” Unlike a political slogan, a symbol can never be fully explained or precisely defined. It arises from the hugeness of inner life and shared experience.

While creating the mural scenes, our collective drew upon the rules of improv, which are central to BASE (Missoula’s all-abilities community center located in the Warehouse Mall and a program of Summit). Improv arises from split-second responses to unpredictable and evolving conditions which may stump the conscious mind. A good-natured attitude of receptivity and a commitment to saying “Yes, and…” to whatever arises defines a thriving improv community and any life lived well. 

BASE Collective: Jenny Montgomery, Michael Beers, Gavin Workman, Charley Macorn, Heidi J.

BASE improv actors: Jason Billehus, Maddy Halland, Lindee Lee Keller, Bobby Kirwan, Devin McClane, Madison Quantock Morgan, Sherene Ricci, Kelly Lynn Sellars.

Essential support: Matthew Hamon, Solveig, Jacob Mucha, Lesley Washburn and Missoula Community Theater.