Puppetry program to express emotion through the Arts

Interchange is incredibly excited to launch a bespoke puppetry workshop program next month, thanks to the City of Melville’s Community Partnership Funding program.

We will engage Fremantles Spare Parts Puppet Theatre to help develop and deliver workshops for adults with disability, which will culminate in the performance of inclusive shows for members of the community next year.

Participants will work with Interchange staff, volunteers and experts from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre to learn the art of designing and creating their own puppets and developing their own story. Those with limited mobility will have the opportunity to create puppets that can be affixed to their wheelchairs and worn during performances.

In addition to improving fine and gross motor skills, the program aims to increase participants confidence, as well as their communication and teamwork skills. It will also employ a play therapy technique which encourages adults and children who face language or communication barriers to express their feelings and emotions through the drama and the arts.

Public performances will also challenge traditional assumptions of people with disability as service recipients and place them firmly in the role of providers to the community.

There are 20 places available for workshop participants with a disability, aged between 18 and 59. Workshops will run weekly on a Wednesday afternoon, starting from 7 September.

Whilst Interchange customers will be given preference for places, other members of the community are also invited to participate. Participation is free, however participants who aren’t supported by Interchange will need to arrange their own transport and support staff (if required).

Interchange is also seeking local volunteers to assist them with the delivery of the workshops and performances. No previous experience is required.

If you are interested in taking part as a participant or a volunteer, please register your expression of interest with Bernard Fan at b.fan@interchangewa.org.au or 0402 937 755 by 31 August, 2016.