Unlimited, a unique collaboration between Handikos and Artpolis, opened up Kosovo’s stages to disabled performers. Fatlinda Daku reports on a project that aims to make theatre more accessible and inclusive.
Amazing things can happen in the space where art meets advocacy. Handikos is an organization supporting disabled people in Kosovo. Artpolis is a Kosovo-based NGO that promotes culture, arts and multi-ethnic co-existence. Together they recently created Unlimited, a captivating theatre performance that not only highlighted the artistic talents of disabled people but also advocated for a more inclusive society that values diversity and empowers disabled people by focusing on their positive stories and the experiences that shape their lives.
Unlimited, which premiered on July 4, 2023, used the story of beach vacation in which individuals supported each other as the basis for an exploration of how disabled people can make art, and live their own lives. The creation of the show was led by mentors Edlir Gashi, Kaltrina Zeneli, and Robert Nuha, all members of Artpolis’s Artistic Resident Troupe.
According to a study by the Kosovo Women’s Network in June 2022. Kosovo does not have official data on the total number of disabled persons in the country as not all are registered officially. However, based on estimations, there are more than 200,000 disabled people in Kosovo, approximately 10% of the population.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve accessibility in the arts in Kosovo. Disability rights organizations, like Handikos, have advocated for better access to cultural events and venues for disabled people. Awareness campaigns and initiatives have aimed to educate venue owners and the public about the importance of inclusivity. However, more is needed to ensure that all performance venues in Kosovo become fully inclusive and accessible for disabled audiences.
In response to the lack of artistic opportunities for disabled people, Handikos began a collaboration with Artpolis. Over months of practice and rehearsal,a theatre performance was created. According to Arta Sejdiu from Handikos, the idea for this project came from a strong desire to help disabled people go deeper into their artistic potential and highlight their talent.
‘‘People with disabilities in Kosovo face significant challenges when it comes to engaging with the performing arts.Stigmatization and discrimination also add to the difficulties, discouraging their participation in the arts. – says Sejdiu.
The desire to perform, to express oneself creatively, is universal. Yet, if you are often met with scepticism or even outright dismissal, it can take a toll on your confidence and self-worth.
‘‘To overcome these challenges, a collective effort is needed to promote their rights, implement inclusive policies, offer training and financial support, and increase representation in the performing arts.’’ – shares Sejdiu.
Sejdiu hopes that this performance may inspire future collaborations, encouraging other artistic institutions and organizations to actively include and showcase the talents of disabled artists in their productions.
‘‘As more inclusive performances like ‘Unlimited’ gain the recognition and support they deserve, I believe that societal attitudes towards people with disabilities in the arts have the potential to undergo a transformative shift. This shift isn’t just about the applause or the spotlight; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging for individuals with diverse abilities,’ she says.
This is not the first collaboration for Artpolis. They have been organizing theatre clubs mostly in schools of all three levels education (primary education, lower secondary education and higher secondary education) in many cities in Kosovo since 2020, creating forum-theatre shows. Berat Bajrami, project coordinator and public relations officer at Artpolis, says this was an extraordinary and very fulfilling experience for him and Artpolis as well.
Unlimited – Handikos and Artpolis
‘‘The opportunity to work with such a group is a chance to understand even more the importance of art, activism, solidarity and empathy. As much as the participants have learned from us, we as an artistic troupe of Artpolis have also learned and grown just as a lot from this experience.’’ says Bajrami.
He also raises the issue of creating more inclusive spaces and opportunities for disabled people. ‘‘People with disabilities should be included in artistic clubs since adolescence, and programs should be created where they find themselves and their passions. They should also be offered infrastructural accessibility in cultural institutions so that they do not lack anything in their artistic formation.’’
Bajrami believes that the collaboration of disabled actors with professional groups holds significant potential. However, Bajrami is convinced that for real growth and change to happen, this cause needs to be embraced by the professional community, allowing its true impact to unfold and create a meaningful transformation.
Fortesa Vishesella, one of performers in ‘Unlimited’ says that being part of this was a very empowering experience. “At the beginning, I was very sceptical and stressed whether I would be able to succeed in a role in front of an audience, even taking into account my limited ability, but over time, with the support of the production, my strength gathered, and everything passed, and it helped me a lot to show others what we are and can do.’’
In Unlimited, she played a wheelchair-user who wants to go on a picnic with the others, but feels worried that she will need someone’s help to do this. However, with her close friend’s determination, they find a way for her to join the picnic. It’s a story of friendship, courage, and overcoming obstacles which had an impact on all who watched.
Vishesella hopes that the audience was inspired by the show and that there will be more opportunities for her to participate in the world of art. ‘I wish they didn’t see us as different. Despite our unique challenges and limited abilities, we as humans, should have the capacity to stand in solidarity with both friends who share our limitations and those who don’t. Let’s be in solidarity with everyone, because there lies the true essence of being human.”
For more information, visit: Handi-kos.org and Artpolis-ks.com
Fatlinda Daku is a human rights activist who is currently working as a researcher and freelance journalist. She studied Political Science at the University of Prishtina and has working experience in the civil society sector.
