‘Every Body in Motion' paves the way for first Inclusive Arts Festival in Vietnam
WVR - Taking place from October 20-25 in Hanoi, the inclusive theater and performing arts festival "Every Body in Motion" (Dong cam cong huong) brings together artists with and without disabilities across various performance forms, from theater, contemporary dance, and choir to performance art and documentary films.
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The event aims to create an open artistic space where every body, voice, and expression is respected, contributing to the promotion of access and participation in cultural life for people with disabilities.
Sharing the stage
Organized by EUNIC Cluster Vietnam (the association of European cultural institutes and embassies in Vietnam) with financial support from the EUNIC Cluster Funds, in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Vietnam, the festival takes place at six venues in Hanoi, featuring performances, workshops, discussions, and documentary screenings.
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Artists from Vietnam and countries such as Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea participate, offering diverse perspectives on inclusive art practices.
A notable feature of the festival is the joint presence of artists with and without disabilities in the works, raising questions about how theater can adapt to embrace differences. Instead of viewing disability as a limitation to overcome, the programs focus on creative potential, individual expression, and the ability to connect through art.
The theatrical program opens with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a work by William Shakespeare directed by Beverly Blankenship, featuring both disabled and non-disabled actors. The comedy revolves around tumultuous romantic relationships in a magical forest, while also introducing an approach to theater that embraces performer diversity.
In the realm of contemporary dance and non-verbal theater, Echoes from Touch by choreographer Lyon D. Nguyen, featuring performer Linh Sang, explores the ability to communicate through physical contact and non-verbal sensations.
Also on the program, the piece Wonders by the AwB group tells the story of individuals trapped in their own worlds due to the loss of senses or perception, prompting a journey towards understanding and connection.
Another approach is showcased in Ben Tam, a drama and movement piece performed by students from the LEN SAN program. This acting class is designed for the visually impaired, with all actors, musicians, and dancers on stage being students of the program.
The work combines stories of friendship and the legend of Truong Chi, demonstrating the creative potential of the visually impaired in a more professional performance environment.
Music also becomes a connecting medium at the festival. The Hope Choir, founded by musician, pianist Ton That Triem in 2004, consists of visually impaired singers and musicians and participates in the opening program. Songs about kindness, love, faith, and hope highlight the unifying power of music, affirming that art is a space for everyone.
From performance to cultural access rights
In addition to performances, the festival organizes various exchange and practice activities to broaden discussions on inclusive art.
The discussion “Disabled People in Cultural and Artistic Practice” focuses on the position of people with disabilities in Vietnam's cultural life, from creators and performers to audiences. Issues raised include access to art, practical barriers, and conditions for cultural spaces to genuinely welcome everyone.
The discussion “European Perspectives on Inclusive Theater” provides an opportunity for international artists to share their practice experiences, changes in creative thinking, and how to build an equal participation environment in performances. These exchanges contribute to broadening perspectives on inclusive art and suggest approaches suitable for Vietnam's practical conditions.
Workshops on movement, singing, and community creativity are also designed for participants without prior artistic experience. In these, artist Anajara Laisa Amarante guides movement practice, encouraging individuals to explore their own rhythm and interaction with the surrounding world.
Italian opera artist Valentina Volpe Andreazza and pianist Francesco Morettini conduct a singing workshop, offering participants the chance to experience and perform with artists in the subsequent program.
The Festival also introduces five documentary films by young Vietnamese filmmakers, portraying people with disabilities as individuals with their own worlds, rather than merely subjects observed from the outside. The program, organized in collaboration with the TPD Centre and Varan Vietnam, includes exchanges between audiences and filmmakers.
To enhance participation, the programs provide Vietnamese sign language interpretation, Vietnamese-English translation, and wheelchair-accessible paths; some activities adopt a relaxed format, allowing participants to rest or leave the space as needed.
With a diverse range of activities, “Every Body in Motion” aims to bring inclusive art beyond isolated performances, expanding into a dialogue about creative rights, access rights, and equal presence in cultural life.
The festival's value lies not only in the works presented but also in the opportunity for artists and audiences to recognize differences as a natural part of art and social life.
