A group of Peruvian actors with Down syndrome is performing *Hamlet* in London, breaking down barriers related to disability. The initiative, inspired by actor Jaime Cruz, highlights inclusion in the arts. Critics praise the vibrant portrayal that challenges stereotypes, as the troupe embarks on a global tour.
In a remarkable show of talent and resilience, a group of Peruvian actors with Down syndrome is making waves in a London production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The eight-member troupe is performing at the Barbican Centre this week, challenging perceptions and showcasing their capabilities like never before. The play runs until Sunday, leaving a powerful impression on audiences.
Cristina Leon, one of the performers, shared her thoughts on inclusion, stating, “This play shows that we can be included in everything at work, and in education. There are no barriers, we can do lots of things, and people must open their eyes to the fact that we can do anything they ask us,” she told AFP.
Cruz, who had long-held ambitions of acting, sparked this initiative seven years ago. While working as an usher at Teatro La Plaza in Lima, he refused to let his Down syndrome limit his aspirations. “I have always wanted to be an actor… I said my name and said I was an actor,” Cruz recounted. He aims to dismantle stereotypes surrounding disabilities.
The artistic director, Chela de Ferrari, became deeply moved by Cruz’s passion, leading her to adapt Hamlet for this unique group. “Jaime made me face my own prejudices… what the public experiences mirrors exactly what happened to me,” de Ferrari reflected, crediting Cruz with her shift in perspective.
Their journey has taken them beyond Peru, with a spectacular sold-out run at the Edinburgh International Festival last year. Critics have lauded the production, with The Guardian calling it “upbeat,” contrasting Hamlet’s typically grim narrative with “charm, humour and imagination.”
As they continue their tour, the troupe will also hit Brighton and travel to places like Seoul, Melbourne, Toronto, New York, and Chicago. They perform in Spanish, supplemented by subtitles for non-Spanish speakers in their audiences. Leon’s co-performer, Manuel Garcia, emphasized the importance of their work amidst ongoing global challenges to diversity, saying, “In today’s society everyone puts up limits. They tell us all the time that we cannot do things,” he noted.
With a commitment to rejecting limitations and embracing diversity, de Ferrari highlighted the significance of their productions. “Instead of rejecting people who have speech problems or stutter, we embrace this diversity,” she stated with pride. The performances are not just art; they’re a movement seeking acceptance and a change in societal attitudes.
The Peruvian actors with Down syndrome are not just performing Shakespeare; they’re transforming the conversation around disability and capabilities on an international stage. They’re proving that barriers can be overcome, and inclusion is both possible and necessary. As they tour globally, their message resonates: diversity enriches society, and talent knows no bounds.
Original Source: timesofmalta.com