A Day in Jawnville: Martha Graham Cracker Fully Accessed

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Martha Graham Cracker is, without a doubt, Philadelphia’s reigning Queen of cabaret performances. Obviously, I jumped at the chance to join a friend for Martha’s Full Access Show at Fringearts this past Monday.

Martha delivered an immensely entertaining performance, as she always does, with an added caveat. The “Full Access” performance meant full access for individuals with disabilities.

Fringearts had ample space at the front of the theater for wheelchair access. A giant screen behind Martha and her band transcribed (closed caption style) every word Martha said…every word. She also had two individuals translating via sign language for those with hearing disabilities. They would alternate every couple of songs. In typical Martha style, she performed the duet Endless Love and had the signers simultaneously sign to one another. 

Those who were visually impaired wore headphones through which they were given visual cues of the scene and Martha’s movements.

Kudos to Fringearts and Martha for putting together a show that everyone could enjoy. I was entertained, but also reminded how lucky I am and how much I take for granted when I go out to see bands and shows a few times a month.

Thanks to Martha and Fringearts for that reminder, for a great show, and for Martha covering Black Sabbath’s War Pigs. Oh, that’s State Representative Brian Sims cranking the siren.

Any chance you can see Martha perform, do it. Like next week at L’Etage.