Ability of the disabled
Nipuni WIMALAPALA
To increase the understanding of issues related to people with
disabilities and to upgrade their dignity, rights and well being, every
year the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with
Disabilities on December 3.
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Scenes from
the play |
To celebrate this day a street drama was presented by the Thidora
Theatre which is dedicated to facilitate the people with different types
of disabilities.
The play is called Seetin, Sootin and Martin. Almost 20 people with
different disabilities have taken part in the play. The play was
presented at the national ceremony organized by the Social Services
Ministry to celebrate the day in Kalawewa. The play is produced by the
Thidora Theatre, script written by Rohana Deva, and directed by Ramani
Damayanthi. Low country dancing was trained by Karunadasa Olaboduwa.
There are two normal artists: Premakumara Karunaratne and Premajayantha
Kapuge.
There are mentally and physically disabled children and adults as
well. The main visually disabled actor is A G Luxman who performed
really well. The main actress with hearing impairment is Sachini
Ruwanthika, whose performance was excellent. Physically disabled actress
on the wheelchair is Siththy Fareeda.
The drama was really interesting that there is a hidden meaning as
well. It indirectly highlights the urgent necessities of disabled people
in Sri Lanka and it suggests simple solutions which cost low. The
performance of those with disabilities was incredibly excellent that
they acted like professional actors and actresses. Sinhala, Tamil and
Muslim actors and actresses too acted in the play.
All the disabled actors and actresses are students of Thidora
Theatre. Thidora provides them a real good approach to aesthetic
activities through which they improve their communication skills,
thinking ability and other abilities. They highly involve in music,
dance and drama to improve their abilities.
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