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Dyslexia in the spotlight: Matthew Scurfield brings his autobiographical play to the School of Education

Matthew Scurfield and the Maltese actress and TV presenter Clare Agius gave a dynamic and engaging performance of 'I Could Be Anyone: Life With Dyslexia' for staff and students at the School of Education in November, followed by a question and answer session with Professor Jane Martin and Professor Julie Allan.

University of Birmingham Aston Webb building

On 5th November, Matthew Scurfield and the Maltese actress and TV presenter Clare Agius gave a dynamic and engaging performance of ‘I Could Be Anyone: Life With Dyslexia’ for staff and students at the School of Education, followed by a question and answer session with Professor Jane Martin and Professor Julie Allan.

Scene from the play I Could be Anyone

Matthew Scurfield and Clare Agius

Directed by Lena Scurfield, the drama focused on the effect on Matthew Scurfield’s education and aspirations as an undiagnosed dyslexic in post-war academic Cambridge, and the profound change to his life when he discovered a voice through his acting talent.

The play, based on Matthew’s  autobiographical book, captures the feelings of isolation and inadequacy experienced as a result of dyslexia, and also celebrates the eventual finding of a successful path. This led to an energetic debate with audience and panel at the end of the performance.  

A panel question and answer session at the I Could Be Anyone event

Matthew Scurfield, Professor Julie Allan, Professor Jane Martin, Clare Agius

 A short film entitled ‘We want to start a conversation’ by Dr Isabelle Gatt and Clare Agius was also shown.  The film grew from  a series of workshops with Maltese children exploring drama, dyslexia & self-esteem.

The actors from the play I Could Be Anyone

Sheena Vella, Maud Muscat and Anabel Mifsud all from the Department of Counselling, University of Malta; Matthew Scurfield; Clare Agius, Maltese actress and television presenter; Lena Scurfield, Director; Professor Jane Martin Head of Department, Education and Social Justice and Professor Julie Allan, Head of Department, Disability Inclusion and Special Needs both from the School of Education