In line with the Year of Tolerance, which hinges upon inclusion and respect, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) provided audiences with a sensory friendly version of the Ethiopian Dreams show, which was presented by Circus Abyssinia last Saturday, September 7, culminating a sold-out three-show UAE debut.
The performance reflected the embedded pillars of the UAE’s Year of Tolerance in the Arts Center’s mission, which continuously strive to build an integrated community by leading initiatives to make the performing arts accessible to all. This initiative was built on NYUAD’s long standing participation in Autism Awareness Month, and its role in hosting aspects of the Special Olympics MENA and World Games in support of the UAE’s emphasis on creating greater awareness and access for People of Determination.
Appropriate modifications to the performance were guided by the input of Khawla Barley of Special Olympics UAE, who presented the artists with a special plaque during their curtain call, to honor their participation in the initiative. Special Olympics UAE helped to disseminate tickets to audience members of determination and their families. This effort was supported in part by a grant from the US Embassy in the UAE.
Those on the autism spectrum, with developmental disabilities, and sensory sensitivities joined with general family audiences to enjoy an action-packed show in a welcoming environment. Adjustments included brighter house light levels throughout the performance, lower volume levels, the avoidance of strobe lighting, and a more relaxed policy in the house that permitted audience members to express themselves, dance, or vocalize as inspired by the performance. Additionally, the audience were provided with a relaxed space where they were able to move whenever needed.
Khawla Barley, from Special Olympics UAE said, “Special Olympics UAE’s Unified Arts program aims to expand the opportunities for social change by increasing access to the arts. Developing spaces where people of determination and their families can access theater and music performances is an important aspect of creating an inclusive society. Developing sensory friendly spaces for participation in the arts is an important step toward developing an inclusive arts community.”
Bill Bragin, executive artistic director of The Arts Center, added, “We are grateful to work with Special Olympics UAE and Circus Abyssinia to create a more inclusive atmosphere at the performance. One thing we learned is that for family audiences of all types, the kinds of changes made are nearly invisible to most audiences, but really open up the possibilities of participation for larger segments of our community, who were extremely appreciative. We look forward to continuing to present other sensory friendly performances later in our season, and hope that this initiative serves as a model for other organizations to adapt their own presentations to make them even more accessible.”
Khushboo Aswani, special families group coordinator added, “Unlike conventional performances, in sensory friendly shows, the adults do not have to be on edge and worry constantly about their child’s behavior as sensory friendly performances provide the children the freedom to engage in self-expression, sing and clap to the music or take a break from the performance when necessary. This makes the entire experience relaxing and far more enjoyable for all.
Dr. Pam Olsen, chief program officer for Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education Operated by The New England Center for Children commented on the impact of the performance “By reducing the noise, brightening the lights, and allowing for an interactive audience, SOUAE and NYUAD provided an opportunity for people of determination to be included in their recent sensory-friendly performance of Ethiopian Dreams by Circus Abyssinia. On the heels of The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and in the Year of Tolerance, it is imperative that organizations partake in such inclusive opportunities for all members of our community. This will help ensure the legacy of the Special Olympics lives on and Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of society in terms of tolerance, acceptance, awareness, and inclusion.”
Michelle Chioccola, family and community facilitator at MRC-NECC exclaimed about the show as a whole, “What an amazing day at the Circus Abyssinia at NYUAD Arts Center! The sensory friendly performance was wonderful and I was left wondering what had changed from the original performance as the show was full of life and very entertaining. In my opinion, the sensory friendly show made the live performance more available not only to people of determination, but to small children as well. What a great demonstration of inclusion! Thank you NYUAD and SOUAE.”
For more information on the performances, please click here.
The Arts Center at NYUAD is a performing arts center that presents distinguished professional artists from around the world alongside student, faculty, and community productions.
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