Disability Culture in New Zealand Celebrated on International Day
By Robyn Hunt
Disabled and non-disabled people celebrated the UN International Day of Disabled people in one of the country's most prestigious and culturally significant venues on Sunday, December 2nd.
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, www.tepapa.govt.nz with DPA, (the Assembly of people with disabilities,) Wellington region hosted for the first time a gala celebration of performance, showcasing some of New Zealand's best-known professional disabled poets, dancers, singers and musicians, and a popular gay, disabled, vegetarian comedian.
Held in the beautiful Te Marae public exhibition space at Te Papa, the free four-hour performance attracted around 1500 spectators.
Performers
Performers came from a wide variety of disability and community backgrounds, and celebrated a wealth of disability experience and progress, such as the end of institutional care of disabled people.
They included psychiatric survivors, blind and physically disabled people, and a seasoned Touch Compass Company dancer with an intellectual disability. They reflected the diversity of the New Zealand population.
The Touch Compass mixed ability dance company was described by a reviewer in the Evening Post newspaper as 'the most resourceful dance company in the country. They should be a household name.' Their performance moved many audience members to tears.
Described by long-time events organiser and musician Maurice Priestley as 'a roaring success,' disabled audience members were excited and moved by the powerful statements of what one audience member described as 'a celebration of disability culture.'
The theme of full participation chosen by the UN for this year seemed particularly appropriate.
Te Papa has indicated that it would like to see the celebration become a regular event. Plans are already underway for 2002.
For more information and pictures visit DPA web site www.dpa.org.nz
Philip Patston, comedian
The Touch Compass Dance Company
The Touch Compass Dance Company
The band Chocolate Ice
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