TYPE OF WORK
Integrated dance and drama workshops, leading to performance. Issue based drama (including forum theatre), storytelling, music and creative arts which may be used to support performance (e.g. making masks, costumes, set)

TARGET GROUPS
People of all abilities and disabilities.

GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
UK, East Asia Pacific

COMPANY POLICY
Inclusive arts education and performance to promote equality of opportunity for people of all abilities and disabilities, to challenge attitudes around disability and empower people of all abilities worldwide.

To facilitate an environment where all feel included and valued for their work.

Epic Arts has run teacher training in dance and movement therapy for teachers in the UK and China.

SCALE OF PROJECTS
Number of practitioners: 2 for each artform involved
Number of participants: 30 maximum
Preparation time: 6 months maximum
Contact time: to fit the client

PERMANENT STAFF
Emma Langrish, Drama Director
Katie MacCabe, Dance Director
Rachel Duncombe Anderson, Project Manager
Anna Winter, Administrator

Inclusive Physical Theatre Project (China, 2001/03)
Physical theatre project in October 2001 and February 2003 with physically disabled and able-bodied orphans in Nanning, Guangxi Province.

Aim: To challenge attitudes towards disability in China

Outcomes: The project culminated in a performance to which government officials from the Department of Civil Affairs were invited. They asked for the piece to be performed at the Government's Guagxi Handicap Persons Representative Conference, to be televised, and to be toured to different provinces.

China
Creating performance work to tour through different provinces, challenging attitudes on disability and working in orphanages and schools. Running training for teachers and pupils with special educational needs: running an arts educational exchange with Chinese artists; and linking children from mainstream and special schools (China, February 2004)

Rachel Duncombe Anderson
Epic Arts
14 Boden House
Woodseer Street
London E1 5JF

T +44 (0)20 7247 9378
F +44 (0)20 7375 3515

E info@epicarts.org.uk
W www.epicarts.org.uk

"I couldn't believe the change. Usually she doesn't integrate with other kids. Now she laughs, smiles and interacts with confidence."
Founder of orphanage (China)

"The workshop was a safe place to take risks. It has encouraged me to reach further in other areas of my life"
Landmine victim (Cambodia)

"I'm glad I went because it helped me understand more about different people with different needs from me"
Pupil aged 10

Return to top