People with Diverse Talents: Arts-Based Research Involving Persons with Disabilities using Ricky Curry’s Workshop Approach

• Main Authors: Talampas, Janna Raquel D., Sy., Matthew Ericsson L.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: Persons with Disabilities; Ricky Curry; workshop; empowerment; theatre; Arts and Humanities; Performance Studies; Theatre and Performance Studies
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2022/arts_ta/2; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1125&context=conf_shsrescon
• Institution: De La Salle University

Since Persons with Disabilities (PWD) encounters countless challenges such as distinct protection risks which include high risk of violence, exploitation, abuse, and high levels of stigma, the researchers made a documentation of the whole process of their study which consists of workshops, rehearsals, and interviews that were intended for people with disabilities. It aims to give an overview of the experiences of the participants throughout the study. This is to empower disabled people to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, and to be involved in the community. The researchers gathered four participants to undergo workshops using Ricky Curry’s workshop approach which includes mime, acting, and improvisation workshops, Aside from that, participants use a chair to be an equalizer which is relevant to the online setup as theatre transforms due to the ongoing pandemic. Theatre acting is done while sitting down in front of the camera and laptop. After that, participants go through rehearsals since they will be staging a monologue as well as interviews to know the impact of the process of this study on them. These processes were documented and will be showcased on the different social media platforms to show the Person with Disabilities community that being impaired will not make less of a person. They can still involve themselves in the different community activities and continue doing what they love and their passion. This will also educate the abled community about their struggles and skills and it can raise awareness to eradicate discrimination and the like.