Green Bazaar for inspiration

This is not a performance, but rather sketches made on a common thread. Small preparations and an example of how sketches for the stage can be born from everyday life, this is how the contemporary theatre works now. Therefore, the performance was supplemented with sounds recorded on the street, objects brought from the Green Bazaar. By the way, the guys also studied the accessibility of the environment there.

The children were worked with by a guest from Great Britain, the art director of her small theater, Katherine PESKEL. She is a passionate supporter of inclusion. The program of the laboratory included a series of classes, which were attended by artists from the Almaty theater "Action literally". This is an inclusive project that has existed in the southern capital for eight years. Since the focus of the laboratory is precisely on inclusion, among other events, a round table was held for the public and everyone interested in creating equal opportunities. But the participants of the laboratory were most prepared for the final performance. It was there that they had the opportunity to talk about themselves, about the problems they face every day. For example, about how difficult it is to survive in a city where you are overwhelmed by loud sounds, visual garbage, where there is no accessible environment. And to do this not in boring language, but through their own examples, acting them out in front of the audience.

- For example, one of the tasks, - says the laboratory curator Olga MALYSHEVA, - was to go with a group to the Green Bazaar and analyze how accessible this place is for people with limited mobility, for people with mental disabilities, and for those with vision problems. It turned out that for these categories it is a real hell there.

- But how does this relate to the theatre?

- This is one of the techniques for exploring the surrounding space. Through the theater, one can talk about both the accessible environment and social problems. The goal of the theater "Action Literally" is to show society that people have different needs.

True, it is difficult to say when the artists will be able to apply the experience they have gained. The theater has no support, only the opportunity to occasionally perform two existing plays. It is difficult to find patrons: sponsors like to support children's creativity, and here the project participants are quite adults.

- We contacted the Akimat, but there is always routine work there - we explain to the official what we are doing, they tell us that it is great, cool, we need to come up with something for us, - explains Olga Malysheva. - But a little time passes, we come again, and this person is no longer there, and we have to start from the beginning. It is good that there are international programs that sometimes allow us to conduct trainings or some activities.

Ksenia EVDOKIMENKO, photo by Timofey EVDOKIMENKO, Almaty