TBB Talks To Cast And Crew Of ‘High Times And Dirty Monsters’

‘High Times and Dirty Monsters,’ is the new hip-hop show by Liverpool-based 20 Stories High. 

In collaboration with national partners, the production features Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists, providing a glimpse into the experiences of being young and disabled in 2023. From heavy beats and stunning visuals to integrated British Sign Language (BSL), creative captioning, and audio description, High Times and Dirty Monsters aims to offer a diverse and inclusive experience. 

We spoke to some of the cast and crew involved in bringing this groundbreaking production to life …

JAYDEN REID TALKS … HIGH TIMES AND DIRTY MONSTERS

‘High Times and Dirty Monsters’ to me, is a breakthrough story for the people around us, the crowd and the government, as it speaks about so many things including the political state, friendship, family and the system. This show helped me understand not just Jamal’s story of depression and anxiety but of others and the struggles that each character faced. Especially after countless conversations with many young people who were all a foundational part of the show.

Read the full interview here.

JOSÉPHINE-FRANSILJA BROOKMAN TALKS … HIGH TIME AND DIRTY MONSTERS

There’s something especially challenging about living with neurodivergence and mental health conditions. You feel othered in your life experiences and the fact you live in a neurotypical world and experience complex emotional situations that you often feel too ashamed or frightened to share for fear of being too much to handle. I feel inordinately blessed that I have close friends and family in my life who I know support me but I know a lot of people aren’t in that position.  

Read the full interview here.

CHOREOGRAPHER CHRIS FONSECA TALKS … HIGH TIMES AND DIRTY MONSTERS

Jamal’s story is touching and relatable to my personal experience as a black deaf man; navigating and unravelling the complexities of identity. The inner voice of my younger self wished to hear a story like this back then. And Kat’s story, The speech was powerful and heartfelt, making it completely relatable. I won’t say more. I’ll leave you to watch the play.

Read the full interview here.

High Times and Dirty Monsters tours until November 25th. Find out more here.