The Association for Family Solidarity with Handicapped Persons (AS.SO.FA.) was founded and operates in Piacenza. Among its many activities—all inspired by the principle of "doing together with disabled people"—is theater. In this city, a remarkable production took the stage under the direction of Stefania Guerra Lisi: "The Melody of Life."
First performed in a parish theater, then weeks later in the open air at Piazza Cavalli before a thousand spectators, thirty young volunteers and twenty disabled people—some with severe disabilities, others less so—created a production using sound, movement, dance, lighting effects, and colorful costumes. They staged the creation of the world as it emerges from Genesis, alongside a representation of the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. It was a demanding theme that moved and stirred the audience, proving that "doing together" is possible and yields good fruit. One spectator wrote: "The diversity of the performers went unnoticed by those watching because each role was assigned to highlight the gifts and abilities of each person."
"The Melody of Life" became an occasion for reflection brought into the heart of the community. It showed how the will and joy of volunteers, on one hand, and the creativity and perseverance of the organizers, on the other, could unite in a shared purpose.
For all of us, a precious lesson: you can express many things through a long, colorful dance together. M.T.M.
COMEDY PRODUCTION
Rome - Teatro Orione (near S. Giovanni)
November 12–15, 1998 (4 p.m. - 20,000 Lire - 9 p.m. - 35,000 Lire)
The Down Syndrome Youth of Brescia present
George Feydeau - A FARCICAL DECEPTION