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| Sunday, 14 September 2003 |
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Butterflies theatre group : seizing the challenge by Vimukthi Fernando The society and the times we live in. The world order of the war-mongers. The land of weaponry. Its pride and joy - parade and entertainment. Pain and misery. Reality is revealed on stage, in 'Swinging Times' - a Fairy Tale for Adults.
The moles who benefit from capture of members of their own side. Manipulators of the stock market, black market and the open market. International arms dealers who hoodwink their buyers. Money tainted with blood - throwing lavish parties where alcohol abounds. Masses dumbfounded and blind revelling in the display of opulence. A valueless society where an artificial limb - the sole element of survival for one, becomes a mere 'ash tray' for another... That's what they depicted this time. The 'challenge' they posed to society. An easy path, it never was. They had to cut their way through the thick forest darkened with ostracising, traumatising and marginalising. Challenged not only physically, but mentally, socially and economically as well, every inch of progress was laborious. And yet, with high spirits they took up the challenge. They plodded on. They learned. They mastered the arts. Along the way, they performed. For it is the music of their hearts and souls. Their total beings. It took a lot of effort. But, they were determined. They said it with a bow. They said it with a dance. A sudden stamping of feet to attention, a rhythmic circling of wheels, an acrobatic stance and a radiant smile. A declaration of autonomy. Proclaimed so boldly that you and I may fear to do so. With a swing in her step and a twinkle in her eye Madhuri furthers this declaration. "I love this group of friends. They take care of me so well. And now I help my mother. Sweep the house. Wash clothes and do a lot of housework also. I have learned a lot since I joined the group." Madhuri is "remarkable", say her teammates. An "inspiration" to the whole team." She has made much progress since her affiliation with the team in 1998 and had travelled with the group to London, Australia and India. So, did Ganga who sees "no difference in the group whether it is religion or race. We all accept and help each other." Ganga employs the living skills she learns from the group, in the day-to-day living in her household. Watching them perform on stage, it is hard to accept that they are mentally challenged. But, that is what it is all about. "Integrating them into the normal society. To help those who are imprisoned in houses to come out to the society and lead normal lives," says Rohana Deva, Co-Director of Swinging Times and Co-founder, Butterflies Theatre Group. Butterflies resulted as a consequence of Rohana accepting the challenge posed by Wolfgang Stange another Co-founder of the group. By that time Rohana already had the experience in bringing the mentally challenged out on to the stage. "We look for their abilities not for disabilities. Everyone has his or her own ability and if we can develop enough confidence and strengthen our souls, controlling the different parts of our body is not that difficult," he points out. However, Butterflies is different. Coming from all ethnic groups, the group includes internally displaced persons, soldiers of the Sri Lankan Army and youth in the North and East who have lost their limbs due to war, members of the LTTE Mahaveeran families, members of the border families killed by the LTTE or the armed forces in addition to those mentally disadvantaged. "Though there are some efforts in Sri Lanka to help the disadvantaged, they cater to separate groups. This is the first attempt of integration. Giving them an opportunity to learn from one another and to realise their full potential," says Wolfgang Stange, Co-founder of Butterflies Theatre group and founder, AMICI Dance Theatre Company who had been working with the mentally and physically disadvantaged since 1973. "You can do that only if you sincerely respect each other. Being together naturally brings them together, helps them enjoy each other's company and help each other. It is a very selfish society we live in. However, if we call this country a democratic society we have to open doors of access to the disadvantaged. This kind of group may remind them of inclusiveness. Some may argue that it is just a drop in the ocean. However, it is a beginning of a wave. Unless you make a few waves in the ocean nothing will change," he determines. It may not take long for the ripples to turn into big waves, suggests Upul Samanthilake who had joined the group from Ranaviru Sevana. "This kind of groups is the current need of our country. We have taken much effort to cater to this need through many regional groups," says Samanthilake. "Those who are mentally or physically disadvantaged are often treated in a derogatory manner especially in our country, sometimes inadvertently thinking it is best for them. At times it is one's own family that prevents him or her being independent, saying that he or she is unable to do anything. But, in reality it is not so. No point cornering or hiding the disabled. They can do a lot of things. They are able," he says enthusiastically. Hema Udayakumar, a school teacher from Vavuniya agrees. Hema heads one of the 15 regional groups of the Butterflies. "Until I started working with them I did not know such potential existed. This group changed my perspective." A zealous self she treasures the experience she gained from taking part in Swinging Times and the time the team spends together at workshops and in preparing for their performance on stage. She had been instrumental in the group's visits to Jaffna and Killinochchi. "Art especially music and drama is extremely beneficial for the traumatised children there. I can't wait for the three hour teaching sessions back home," she adds. Interesting as it may sound, the difference between the 'main-stream' productions and that of the Butterflies, is the performers themselves drawing up the plot and the script. "At our workshop sessions we discuss different issues and allow them to develop the plot. We only help in to refine and to add a few fineries" says Rohana Deva. However, the task is not easy as it may seem. In addition, the process is fairly expensive. "For this production itself we had spent over Rs. 700,000. For the past seven days 47 of us were in residence, practising for the performance. The need arises due to the fact that we are from various parts of the island in addition to other diversities," he adds. The driving force behind Butterflies theatre group is the Sunera Foundation which strives to integrate the socially marginalised segments of the population through the arts. "In addition to promoting amity and harmony among all ethnic groups by working closely together, traumatised persons often finds a great degree of therapy in the release of creative talent. Furthermore, many of these differently-able persons would be able to discover their own leadership talents and could go on to play a larger role of society" states the foundation objectives. Overcoming their disabilities this group of sprightly young persons with indomitable courage is ready to take the world by storm. All they ask for is an opportunity to show you their abilities. Are you ready? |
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