Duration: 2013
The art plays an important role in the progression of the disability identity over time. Research on actors/actresses has further explicated the positive role of the arts with respect to disability identity and culture. Evaluations of artsbased instruction, for example, have found that artsbased teaching and learning enhanced selfesteem and built selfconfidence on an individual level for artists including those with disabilities Taking into account all these “Agate” NGO undertook the project “Silent Theatre”. It is a new project which will become a good opportunity for young people with disabilities to engage in a process of selfrealization. In ”Agate” Centre we firmly believe that people with disabilities should have their impacts in all areas of our society. And culture is not an exception.
Within the frameworks of the project deaf and hard of hearing beneficiaries as well as youngsters with cross disabilities of “Agate” Centre become actors/actresses who show important social problems through theatre art, body language, body percussion and pantomime. Finally, making art and being an actor/actress often provided an escape from disabilityrelated stigma and its effects on the young people’s self confidence.
Implementation of the Project “Agate” NGO organized a casting for young people with disabilities who were interested in theatre art and the theatre experts from “Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art” ” (ACCEA or “NPAK” in Armenian acronym) selected participants for the project. During 2 months the selected participants developed their capacities and skills of theatre art with the help of NPAK’s experts. During the project it’s planned to organized 5 performances in different regions of Armenia. After every performance, the audience has an opportunity to paint the impressions and ideas about the performance. The best paints will be chosen and shown at the final presentation of the project.
Objectives and goals of the Project
•to improve awareness on different social problems through art of people with disabilities.
•to give a opportunity to people with disabilities to express their ideas about the topic of a performance, to exchange ideas and to talk about the issues which bother disabled people mostly
•to promote cultural equality Partners “Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art” Within the frames of the project we are going to cooperate with The “Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art” (ACCEA or “NPAK” in Armenian acronym). Donor organization Bearr Trust (British Emergency Aid to Russia and the Republics) Foundation
The project was funded by THE BEARR TRUST Foundation.