Y'all,
Last night went wonderfully well - in spite of a slight technical hitch which meant we had to stop the show and ask the audience to leave for ten minutes! Fortunately a dear anonymous contributor to the project happened to be in the audience along with a big box of donuts, bread and cheese. So we shared the donuts with the audience who were very patient whilst the ARKA technicians sorted the problem. Then we were off again with the show - and it was wonderful to hear and see the great applause for the wonderful performance by this differently abled inclusive theatre company.
The Polish Cultural Organisation’s write-up about the "Ball at Hawking's" by Teatr Arka at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ... said that the play is merely a pretext for a broader discussion about the cultural and social status of people with disabilities, and that includes mental health issues in its broadest sense.
Talking yesterday to Teatr Arka’s Director, Renata Jasińska, it is clear that the inspiration for the theatre’s work runs through the veins of this amazing woman. She is so passionate and committed to this work.
Wish I could speak even a little polish, beyond saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’, so we could have a no holds barred conversation about a topic that is close to my heart. The needs of my own physical health have forced me to formally stop working in the mental health sector; but perhaps the various events that have unfolded in my life over the last year are indicating I am being brought back into it all, but from another angle. The thing is I don’t really get it yet, and will simply have to wait on life to be clearer about what it wants from me.
Writing my book, an interpretation of the Greek Myth of Eros and Psyche (Love and the Soul) I sort of get that “madness” is a prerequisite for being human; that hate is close to a personality disorder, and that the opposite of love is fear. I get that Renata is fearless and is prepared to go where angels fear to tread, as she works to integrate differently abled people into theatre and into wider society, and to create the conditions whereby they can participate actively in social and professional life.
What is it that differently abled people have to teach the rest of us? The truth is humanity in its entirety is differently abled, but the vast majority of us can hide, disguise and manage our ‘difference’, so that we ‘fit in’.
When my grandson, who is on the Asperger’s end of the autistic spectrum is away from home – with friends, even on holiday – within a very short while he says ‘I want to go home’. These were almost the first words he uttered as a toddler. Josh reinforces my appreciation that ‘to go home’ is a metaphor for the need to reside in the ‘interior castle’ – the soul’s domain – and for the freedom to just ‘be’ who you are.
I believe that Renata provides that sense of ‘home’ for her charges and I look forward to speaking to her more about all that in due time…perhaps even in Poland.
Teatr Arka’s The Ball at Stephen Hawking’s, today and tomorrow at The Performance Studio, Icehouse Quarter, Arc Theatre, 1st Floor, the Malthouse, 62~76 Abbey Road, Barking IG11 7BT. Performance at 7.30 p.m; price £13.50. At this stage ring 020 8594 1095 for availability, or take your chance and turn up at the door.
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| Amari and Maciej on The Terrace Cafe |
I haven't had time to blog this morning yet - and my lovely friend Amari has beaten me to it - so here is hers (She of the cooking-for-everyone and chief bottle washing persuasion!)
http://amariblaize.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/freedom-to-be.html?spref=fb
http://amariblaize.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/freedom-to-be.html?spref=fb
Freedom to 'Be - Amari Blaize
The Polish Cultural Organisation’s write-up about the "Ball at Hawking's" by Teatr Arka at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ... said that the play is merely a pretext for a broader discussion about the cultural and social status of people with disabilities, and that includes mental health issues in its broadest sense.
Talking yesterday to Teatr Arka’s Director, Renata Jasińska, it is clear that the inspiration for the theatre’s work runs through the veins of this amazing woman. She is so passionate and committed to this work.
Wish I could speak even a little polish, beyond saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’, so we could have a no holds barred conversation about a topic that is close to my heart. The needs of my own physical health have forced me to formally stop working in the mental health sector; but perhaps the various events that have unfolded in my life over the last year are indicating I am being brought back into it all, but from another angle. The thing is I don’t really get it yet, and will simply have to wait on life to be clearer about what it wants from me.
Writing my book, an interpretation of the Greek Myth of Eros and Psyche (Love and the Soul) I sort of get that “madness” is a prerequisite for being human; that hate is close to a personality disorder, and that the opposite of love is fear. I get that Renata is fearless and is prepared to go where angels fear to tread, as she works to integrate differently abled people into theatre and into wider society, and to create the conditions whereby they can participate actively in social and professional life.
What is it that differently abled people have to teach the rest of us? The truth is humanity in its entirety is differently abled, but the vast majority of us can hide, disguise and manage our ‘difference’, so that we ‘fit in’.
When my grandson, who is on the Asperger’s end of the autistic spectrum is away from home – with friends, even on holiday – within a very short while he says ‘I want to go home’. These were almost the first words he uttered as a toddler. Josh reinforces my appreciation that ‘to go home’ is a metaphor for the need to reside in the ‘interior castle’ – the soul’s domain – and for the freedom to just ‘be’ who you are.
I believe that Renata provides that sense of ‘home’ for her charges and I look forward to speaking to her more about all that in due time…perhaps even in Poland.
 |
| Renata Jasinska - Artistic Director ARKA |
Teatr Arka’s The Ball at Stephen Hawking’s, today and tomorrow at The Performance Studio, Icehouse Quarter, Arc Theatre, 1st Floor, the Malthouse, 62~76 Abbey Road, Barking IG11 7BT. Performance at 7.30 p.m; price £13.50. At this stage ring 020 8594 1095 for availability, or take your chance and turn up at the door.
or online
August 16th https://taleoftwoarcs2.eventbrite.co.uk/
August 17th https://taleoftwoarcs3.eventbrite.co.uk/
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