The Five Days to Shine project marks a new milestone in social inclusion in Lebanon by offering young adults with cognitive disabilities a unique opportunity to explore and express themselves through theater.
Supported by the US Embassy, the Five Days to Shine project focuses on empowerment, awareness and the celebration of talents often overlooked in Lebanese society. Josyane Boulos, the initiator of the initiative and director of Le Monnot Theater, sheds light on the goals and impact of this innovative program.
Why choose theater as a means of inclusion for youth with cognitive disabilities?
Theater is a powerful tool for personal and collective expression. It allows participants to connect with their emotions, develop their creativity and build confidence. For youth with cognitive disabilities, these workshops create a space where they can explore their abilities without judgment, while also providing a platform to be heard. Theater also helps raise public awareness of their potential, contributing to breaking down stereotypes.
What are the main challenges you faced while preparing the project?
One of the major challenges was ensuring that all workshop activities were accessible and tailored to the varied needs of the participants. It required close collaboration with inclusion experts and theater professionals to design flexible exercises that allow everyone to participate according to their abilities. Additionally, it is crucial to educate the public and create an environment where the families and communities of the participants also feel included in the process.
How are theatrical techniques adapted to the specific needs of the participants?
Theatrical activities are designed to be participatory and inclusive. For example, improvisation is an excellent way for youth to explore their ideas without the pressure of a script. Dance and movement, meanwhile, provide a form of non-verbal expression, which may be more comfortable for some participants. Each exercise is crafted to strengthen essential skills such as communication, emotion management and teamwork, while being accessible to all ability levels.
What impact do you hope this project will have on Lebanese society? We hope this project will help change the perception of people with cognitive disabilities in Lebanese society. It’s time to recognize their potential and talents, rather than focusing solely on their limitations. Through blogs and final performances, we aim to create an open dialogue on inclusion, encouraging society to value and celebrate these youths for their unique contributions.
How do you plan to sustain this project beyond the workshop?
The goal is to make Five Days to Shine a recurring program that can be expanded to other groups and regions of Lebanon. We also hope that social media and the press continue to inspire the public long after the workshop has ended, encouraging other inclusive initiatives. Furthermore, we plan to train more theater professionals in inclusion so that these techniques can be integrated into other artistic programs across the country.
Five Days to Shine is not just a workshop, it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and understanding society. Through the commitment of Josyane Boulos and her team, theater becomes a tool for social transformation, highlighting the extraordinary potential of youth with cognitive disabilities. This project has the power to change mindsets and inspire real inclusion, where everyone can shine.
The project will take place in October 2024 at Le Monnot Theater.
This article was originally published on the Cultural Agenda website.
