#Sugarwater

The documentary "#sugarwater" provides a revealing behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking Graeae (pronounced Grey Eye) Theater Company, whose mission emphasizes the integration of deaf and disabled performers into its productions. The documentary records Graeae's preparations and rehearsals for Jack Thorne's "The Solid Life of Sugar Water" at England's prestigious National Theatre, whose embrace of the company provides a major validation for its inclusive approach. (Thorne's name may be familiar to fans of J.K. Rowlings' boy wizard - his latest work is the celebrated play and bestselling book "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.") In "The Solid Life of Sugar Water" - a searing two-person drama about a miscarriage and its ramifications in a couple's relationship - the charismatic performers are a deaf woman and a man with a congenitally damaged arm. The film offers both a generous sampling of the play - which features some frank sexual content - and highlights the innovative means that the company employs to make its work accessible to all audience members. (St. Louis International Film Festival)