Arts and Media briefly
South African "Search for a Star" Picks Blind Woman
The highly rated South African television program, Soul City, runs an annual "Search for a Star" contest, writing the winner into a special role for the series. In 2000 Soul City specifically looked for a blind person to cast in the role of a radio talk show host. The producers joined forces with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) to hold auditions for the best candidate.
After interviewing an array of talent, Doreen Kostsedi-Pitse was cast in the part of "Lindiwe." She has attended Optima College for independence training and computer courses and is interested in a career in information technology. Ms.Kostsedi-Pitse was blinded by an abusive husband and her determined survival and pursuit of career development were factors in her selection for the role. Details from editor of Infama, SANCB magazine via email: Sam@SANCB.org.za
"Devalued People" Photography Exhibit, U.K.
The Devalued People is the title of a touring British photography exhibit illustrating disabled people's exclusion from society. Details via email from Peter O'Brien: peter@oddysee99.freeserve.co.uk
Lisbon Film Festival on "The Mysterious Other"
Disability Culture Rap, the new film by Cheryl Marie Wade, performance artist & Jerry Smith, producer, is being featured in a May 30-June 3 International Film Festival in Lisbon, Portugal on the theme of "The Mysterious Other: Alienation & Disability in Cinema." Details: gnarlybone@aol.com
International Resource on Art & Films: Promoting Revised Image of Epilepsy
A fascinating new resource center has been established to promote a more modern and less dramatic portrayal and public image of epilepsy and those who have it. The resource center (available on the web at www.abc-image.de) has examples of artworks that won a competition in Germany held in 1998 under the auspices of the International League against Epilepsy, and listings of films that will be presented with prizes at the 24th International Epilepsy Congress in Buenos Aires in May.
In an article in the September 2000 of Epilepsy News (details via email:ibe@xs4all.nl), Stefan Heiner wrote about why this improved image is necessary: "Acceptance of people with epilepsy is often hindered more by threatening imagination than by reality. Therefore, epilepsy education has to counteract not only false but also dramatic ideas circulating about the condition as a whole and, especially about the behavior of people with epilepsy."
International Festival on Puppets & Community Awareness
Nairobi, Kenya, February 2002
In many countries, puppetry is not just an entertainment for children but often a vehicle for social and health messages about important issues in rural and urban communities. In Kenya, for example, a nonprofit group, Community Health Awareness Puppets-called CHAPs, has trained over 350 puppeteers who have formed about 40 troupes throughout the country. They carry out public education on AIDS, malaria, corruption, drug abuse and violence against women, according to an April 26 article in the New York Times (www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-Kenya-Puppets.html).
An excellent international overview of using puppets for social change is the 1998 UNICEF report, Puppets with a Purpose, available from United Nations Children's Fund, 3 UN Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10017 USA. The use of puppets with disabilities is included in this volume as an appropriate approach to engage children in exploring differences in a relaxed setting.
An international puppetry festival, the first of its kind in Africa, will take place February 15-23, 2002 in Kenya and a website is now being constructed: www.kenyapuppet.com
BBC Series Planned on Disability Discrimination
The BBC is working with British disabled persons on a three part series on discrimination, planned for broadcast this fall on BBC2. The producers were looking for examples of recurring discrimination to film, not just inaccessible buildings and services, but also people who have unacceptable attitudes towards disability and disabled people. Details via email: kate.ansell@bbc.co.uk
U.S. Disability Film Catalogues
Two recent catalogues of U.S. disability-themed films available for rent or sale are: Fanlight Productions Disabilities Video Collection 2000-2001, available on the web at www.fanlight.com and information via email: fanlight@fanlight.com; and Disability Resources for Professionals, catalogue of Program Development Associates, which can be visited online at www.disabilitytraining.com
Leading U.S. Theatre Magazine Features Disability Culture
The April 2001 issue of American Theatre, magazine of the theatre industry, is devoted to the theme of "Access, Activism & Art," featuring interviews with disabled actors, directors and producers and articles about the contemporary interpretations of disability culture. Available for $4.95 from Theatre Communications Group, 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 USA; or inquire via email: tcg@tcg.org
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