Through the project "Nonverbal Comedy Dedicated to the Deaf Community," the MAIDAN Creation Center proposes the realization of a cultural event dedicated to the deaf community: a nonverbal comedy show based on comedic mechanisms borrowed from pantomime, slapstick, clowning, as well as from sign language. In the preparation of the performance, a theater workshop will be conducted, in which 3 professional actors and 10 adults from the deaf community will participate. Together, they will study the common comedic mechanisms between deaf and hearing individuals, which will later be integrated into the show. On the last day of the workshop, pairs consisting of one actor and one deaf adult will engage in various activities throughout the day, without the mediation of a sign language interpreter, with the aim of finding diverse methods of communication. The project seeks to support and encourage the participation of people with disabilities in cultural activities that promote their integration into society.
Another objective of the project is to attract audiences with hearing impairments to events that acknowledge the rights of deaf individuals to use and promote their language and culture. By implementing this project, MAIDAN also aims to contribute to combating discrimination and social exclusion of people with disabilities, using theater as a bridge between typical individuals and individuals with disabilities.
The project will take place from August 15th to November 30th, and the theater performance will have three showings in Timișoara.
The project's partners are: BASCA Theater (Solidart organization), West City Radio Timișoara, the National Association of the Deaf in Romania - Timișoara branch, and the "Constantin Pufan" Inclusive Education Center (Timișoara).