The theatre group THEAMA – Theatre for the Disabled – is the first professional theatre ensemble mainly composed of disabled artists, established in Athens in 2010. They are all members of the Greek Association of Actors, asserting their right to equal representation in the performing arts. THEAMA applies an inclusive concept so actors/performers with no disability are also part of the ensemble, and it operates a Drama Workshop for all aspiring to establish the first of its kind Drama Academy within an inclusive framework for disabled and non-disabled artists. THEAMA contributed actively to revoke a Presidential Decree that was enforced by the Greek Ministry of Culture in the past and prevented disabled persons to enrol and graduate from Higher Drama Academies.
The disabled represent about 9% of the population and as active citizens they have equal obligations and rights. One of the rights they actively challenge is to the right to become professionally acclaimed actors, performers, artists on equal terms.
THEAMA is also proactively engaged in the major challenge of accessibility to the arts. All venues should be accessible for the audiences, and backstage for the artists with mobility disabilities. Similarly, audiences with sensory disabilities have the right to accessible content through captions, sign language and audio description. Mild performances for persons with learning disabilities are also included.
**THEAMA – theama, Gk. Definition – an image of objects and events that can be observed and can induce and stimulate emotional reactions.
