April Blog

Dear All,

Well I am now back from Brazil having just missed the volcanic ash curfew - phew!
It has been hard adjusting to life back here as I was so inspired, invigorated and energised by just spending time with Brazilians who really took me to their heart. I was based in Rio with ‘Palavras Visiveis' [Visible Words] a theatre group of deaf people who specialise in Mask Theatre. Their work is astounding and ground breaking as they combined Brazilian Sign [Libras] with physical theatre. Mask is a difficult medium for deaf people [I know, as to not ‘see' emotions really does make me feel distressed], but they have learnt to use their bodies to be a vehicle of emotion. They take on the full expression and personality of the masked characters they create, which are based on stories from across Brazil. I just love them! I will bring them to a future DaDaFest - so watch this space.

I also spent some time with companies working with people with learning difficulties. They have very little resources, but what I did see was those working on arts activities do so wholeheartedly. I saw musicians who could play 3 or 4 different instruments and the quality they had was admirable.

I also visited one of the toughest Favelas on the edges of Rio - they are working with deaf people to develop a film project and train them up to teach others. In rounding up my observations the main impression I came away with was ‘who is the artist?' Everyone there is so in tune with how they express their culture. It says who they are, it displays the rawness of life and I saw over 100% commitment to creating and making arts - young people spend at least 4 hours, 3 times a week doing their thing. Its feels like the very life blood of Brazil. One phrase I heard summed it up - "Our Culture is our Weapon!

I will be in touch again next month with more UK based info - take care

Lady DaDa