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Coordinator: University of Malta, Department of Arts, Open Communities and Adult Education within the Faculty of Education
Research Team: Prof Raphael Vella (Malta Project Lead), Prof Milosh Raykov, Dr Isabelle Gatt, Dr Karsten Xuereb, Margerita Pulè Local Stakeholders: Opening Doors Association, Culture Venture |
Artists: Toni Attard (director), Simone Spiteri (playwright)
Cast: Denise Camilleri, Justin Spiteri, Caroline Bajada, Angela Bettoni, Benjamin Grech, Cheyenne Aquilina, Mark Zammit Cutajar, Sarah Micallef, Karl Wirth, Peter Fenech, Kurt Castillo, Sharon Bezzina, Jacob Piccinino Explored Media: theatre-making, performance, music, dance |
Study January - October 2021
Is-Siġra tat-Tin (The Fig Tree) was created through a collaboration with Opening Doors - an association that provides creative opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities and hosts performances on a yearly basis, showcasing the work developed by its artistic leaders and trainees. The collaboration provided a creative space for participants to explore themes and subjects which mattered to them and which they wanted to share with audiences.
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Is-Siġra tat-Tin was a devised, integrated theatre production. The story was developed by the participants, and written by award-winning playwright Simone Spiteri, with the director Toni Attard. The performance spoke about the dreams and wishes of the participants, intertwining dreams like the branches of a leafy tree. To desire is human. We all have wants, needs, wishes. Yet, the path to what we yearn for is not the same for everyone. Sometimes that path is obstructed, sometimes we might feel like there is no bridge to the other side, sometimes we might feel completely alone in wanting and reaching out for it. Sometimes you must forge ahead and just be fabulous. |
Is-Siġra tat-Tin was created to bring professional theatre practitioners together in creative participation with people with intellectual disabilities. During the process, participants talked about how participation in creative activity can improve their livelihoods and wellbeing. During the process, researchers assessed the impact of the involvement of people with intellectual disabilities in arts-related activities on public attitudes toward social inclusion.
From research carried out, it was seen that the project contributed towards increasing participants’ and audiences’ understanding of issues related to the life of people with intellectual disabilities. Some of the participants also stated that the workshop helped to increase their self-confidence and feelings of autonomy and happiness.
Feedback given by participants during the focus group and in the director’s notes shows that participants believe that their participation in projects like Is-Siġra tat-Tin needs more exposure. According to the participants and the audience, more mixed ability theatre performances of this kind are needed, particularly for young audiences.
From research carried out, it was seen that the project contributed towards increasing participants’ and audiences’ understanding of issues related to the life of people with intellectual disabilities. Some of the participants also stated that the workshop helped to increase their self-confidence and feelings of autonomy and happiness.
Feedback given by participants during the focus group and in the director’s notes shows that participants believe that their participation in projects like Is-Siġra tat-Tin needs more exposure. According to the participants and the audience, more mixed ability theatre performances of this kind are needed, particularly for young audiences.
The main challenge identified during discussions with participants was not the ‘stigma’ of disability, but the fact that society does not listen to them discussing other issues that are important to them, such as employment. The major challenge, expressed both during workshops and the performance, is that participants want to be heard and seen.
On the theme of relationships, there was agreement that having the right to engage in a meaningful, romantic and sexual relationship is often read as a naïve, childlike desire. Participants expressed their frustrations at the fact that extremities of overprotection and belittlement of serious relationships, mute their space to engage in serious conversations about relationships, creating their own families and securing their independence as adults. It is important to note that the subject of disability was the topic that participants did not want to talk about in the play itself..
On the theme of relationships, there was agreement that having the right to engage in a meaningful, romantic and sexual relationship is often read as a naïve, childlike desire. Participants expressed their frustrations at the fact that extremities of overprotection and belittlement of serious relationships, mute their space to engage in serious conversations about relationships, creating their own families and securing their independence as adults. It is important to note that the subject of disability was the topic that participants did not want to talk about in the play itself..
Photos: Elisa von Brockdorff
