We were lucky to catch up with Kristi Hansen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristi, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Because “the theatre” is arguably one of the most ableist and non-accessible businesses there is, I am often the only disabled person in the room when I work in the theatre. When I say theatre is non-accessible, I am speaking to the hours of work (they are LONG), theatre buildings themselves (theatres are historically mazes with many stairs to navigate), and there is no time to consider theatre artists who may need longer processes (shows have to go up quick and you’re expected to work quickly).
I am a person who was born with significant limb difference in my right leg which has resulted in many surgeries including the amputation of my right foot. I wear a below-knee prosthetic limb to help me walk, dance, and run. When I was 13 I began to develop an interest in the theatre by being in a school play. I was certainly aware, even at a young age, that being “different” was not ideal as a performer on a stage. I spent a lot of my time in high school and university trying to constantly “overcome” my difference and not make it a “problem” for my castmates or creative teams.
As I’ve grown older and as I’ve become more confident in myself and my unique skills that I bring to the table, I’ve been able to let go of needing to hide my disability. I find when I address it early and up front I am able to bring the humanity of who I am into my work. No hiding. No shame. If I need help or if I physically can’t do what is being asked of me, it’s OKAY and it’s better to address it sooner rather than later. And you know what? Sometimes I’m NOT the only one in the room anymore. I, as well as theatre, seem to be making some progress.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a disabled theatre artist who has called Edmonton home for the past 22 years. I trained as an actor at Grant MacEwan’s Theatre Arts Program from 1999-2001, and then at the University of Alberta’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Program from 2001-2004. I am the co-founder and co-Artistic Director of The Maggie Tree and the former co-Artistic Producer of Azimuth Theatre in Edmonton, AB. I’m currently working with the Citadel Theatre as an Associate Artist and I am a researcher and budding technologist with Moment Discovery, a body-art tech company that specializes in the human body in tech.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. I am hard working: I am not afraid to work hard and to focus on what I need to do (without burning myself out). 2. I do not take myself too seriously: I love what I do and I will work hard at it, but at the end of the day I need to have perspective and know that if something doesn’t work out, it’s okay.
3. Whatever I start, I finish. My advice to anyone stuck on a project is to just start and do what you can until it is done. Give yourself a timeline. Don’t overwork. Just do it.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to connect with other d/Disabled artists who are looking to create art that reflects the d/Disabled experience. I enjoy working in media arts, installation, creative writing, theatre… any medium that can illuminate the specific human experience of experiencing the world through a d/Disabled lens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristihansen.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristi.hansen77/
- Other: https://momentdiscovery.ca/ https://www.themaggietree.com/
Image Credits
Ryan Parker Photography
