No matter how much automation is introduced in our life by engineers, there will always be areas focused on empathy and human contact. One of such areas is inclusion, i.e., interaction between neurotypical people and people with developmental disabilities. We talked with those who were developing inclusion in Kazakhstan in order to understand why this area was so promising.
Manshuq
Inclusion and Arts
Katerina Dzvonik is one of the curators of the inclusive theatre laboratory Literal Action, where professional artists and people with developmental disabilities (Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders) work together. We asked Katerina how they managed to organise their work and why artists with developmental disabilities were better improvisers.
In Kazakhstan, people with developmental disabilities are often isolated from social interactions, they live a secluded life
This is why our artists with developmental disabilities have a unique view of the world, delicacy of feeling which is ideal for theatre. The less socialised a person is, the finer, better and more beautiful is their perception of artistic reality. When I work with professional artists, for example, I may hear them say: “Well, I don’t know, I haven’t a clue about what to do.” People with developmental disabilities do not have such thoughts. When we create an environment which is interesting for them, their imagination ignites and no further actions are required from us. They make such amazing things, which a professional actor cannot even think of. It is easy for them, and they do not even ask why or what for.”
Over three years, the Literal Action laboratory staged two large performances. The first one – the Tower of Babel – was staged by Boris Pavlovich, a director from Saint Petersburg, who had been initially a curator of the laboratory because of his long-term experience in inclusion. In spring 2021, the inclusive laboratory made the second performance – Toi –directed by Katerina Dzvonik.
