Disabled People’s Mini Histories - Episode 1: Too Frightening For Kids TV [CC, BSL, Audio Described]

Описание: Episode 1: Too Frightening For Kids TV!  In 1988, Granada Television’s headquarters were picketed by disabled protestors after it had vetoed a decision to cast disabled actor Nabil Shaban in a children’s television drama.

‘Mini Histories - From Manchester and Beyond’ are a new series of short films produced in December 2020, telling the hidden stories of how disabled people took to the streets of Manchester (and beyond) during the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s in both protest and in celebration. 

The films were produced by Disabled People’s Archive, which is part of Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People and Archives+, part of Manchester Central Library.

Funding to produce and make the films accessible was provided by Manchester City Council and were premiered at Manchester’s annual celebrations to mark International Day of Disabled People and Disability History Month.

For more information about the Disabled People’s Archive visit: https://disabledpeoplesarchive.com/

Transcript:
Episode 1: Too Frightening For Kids TV!

The story of why on the 25th of January 1988, disabled people picketed Granada Television headquarters on Quay St, Manchester.

In 1987 Disabled actor Nabil Shaban’s representative was contacted by a casting agent about the lead part in a new children’s TV series called ‘Erasmus Microman’. Nabil met with the producer and director, both of whom he had worked with before, and soon they were talking about filming schedules. All that was needed was for Granada Television, who were commissioning the show, to sign off on Nabil and the part was his.

Months passed and Nabil heard nothing, so he asked his agent to find out what was happening. It was only then that Nabil discovered Granada had vetoed the producers choice of him for the lead. It later transpired that Granada didn’t want to risk having Nabil in a children’s television show in case he scared the kids.

Incensed at his treatment, Nabil contacted two local disabled people’s organisations. They were Greater Manchester and Derbyshire Coalition of Disabled People, who with Nabil organised a picket of Granada TV Headquarters in Manchester.

Trade newspaper ‘The Stage and Television Today’ reported on the protest at the time stating that:

“Backed by over 60 crippled performers, Shaban picketed the Granada offices on Monday afternoon accusing it of a vicious and unwarranted display of prejudice representing blatant discrimination against disabled people. Since The Stage and Television Today told Shaban’s story last week, Independent producer John Slater has admitted that the actor was dropped because his face was thought to be too frightening”.

Nabil never got the part of Erasmus but this did not stop disabled people’s ongoing fight for equality in all aspects of society. Nor this did not halt Nabil’s illustrious career on both the large and small screen. If in any doubt just check out his profile on the International Movie Database.

Footnote: It is also worth noting that the discrimination faced by Nabil and other disabled performers is sadly not confined to our distant past. Over 21 years later complaints were made against disabled actor Cerrie Burrell when she appeared on the BBC children’s television channel CBeebies. One viewer wrote “Is it just me, or does anyone else think the new woman presenter on CBeebies may scare the kids because of her disability?”, whilst another complained “I didn’t want to let my children watch the filler bits on The Bedtime Hour last night because I know it would have played on my eldest daughter’s mind and possibly caused sleep problems,”.

As they say.... the struggle continues.