Gardens of Our Imagination

Based in Camden, The Venus Blazing Music and Trust was established in 2004. The Trust encourages the creativity and confidence of young people with cognitive disabilities with professionally led regular workshops throughout the year. Composer Deirdre Gribbin and Theatre Director Lou Stein’s methods challenge preconceptions about disability and gives voice to young people from usually excluded communities providing a platform for them to express their creativity through music, poetry, and theatre. The impact of the work is evidenced through the extraordinary vision of their songs and narratives.

Deirdre Gribbin, Co-leader (Music)

Deirdre is an internationally recognised composer, whose work has been described as 'astonishingly accomplished' and 'pure magic' (The Times) Almeida/Aldeburgh produced opera 'Hey Persephone!'. Deirdre teaches composition at the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban. She is in constant demand from international commissioning bodies and as an educator. She recently wrote a song cycle based on the poems of her son Ethan, who has Down syndrome, which was performed in Dubin by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Lou Stein, Co-Leader (Theatre)

Lou Stein is an award-winning London based theatre Director/Writer who has most recently been Artistic Director of Chickenshed, an inclusive theatre company. In 2021, Lou won a Special Award from the Off-West End Award panel (Offies) for his contribution to promoting high quality inclusive theatre within the London theatre community.

Lou founded the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill and its sister theatre, the Gate at the Latchmere, Battersea, now recognised as two of the most influential theatres in the UK.