(Olesya Khantsevich's article appeared in Russia Beyond the Headlines, 5/11.)
An unusual play recently opened at Moscow's Theater of Nations. Dubbed “The Touchables: A Life in Art,” the production represents not only the first social theater effort undertaken in Russia, but also the first ever theatrical piece which involves deaf-blind people performing beside sighted and hearing actors. The play offers a phenomenal cultural experience, both to disabled people and ordinary audiences alike.
“The Touchables” ìs an attempt to build bridges between two worlds, to establish communication with the stage as the medium. This idea governs everything, including the set design – the performance takes place on a large catwalk in the center of the hall, with spectator seats placed on both sides of it.