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Experiencing the Beauty of Life

Ludwig van Beethoven composed some of his greatest pieces after losing his hearing; Itzhak Perlman began studying the violin after losing the use of his legs to polio at age 4; master impressionist painter Claude Monet could hardly see at the end of his career. In each case, the masters turned to what they could do; they continued their explorations. 

The members of the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe have done the same in the pursuit of their dreams. The troupe was formed in 1987, after more than 30 Chinese teenagers with disabilities participated in the first China Art Festival. The performers’ demonstration of talent and will impressed their audience, whose applause fuelled the confidence of the young artists. From an original group of 19, the troupe has grown to 160 members, including 40 office and support staff. The performers, ages 10–32, were either born with disabilities or became physically disabled as a result of an illness or accident.

“Being in the troupe has given the performers a sense of community and has helped them form more independent and purposeful lives," said a member of the troupe's marketing department. Understanding that performers of any kind have a limited career span, the troupe provides long-term benefits and educational opportunities for its members. For those who retire from performing, the troupe provides money from its retirement fund and helps them to find jobs.

On site instructors teach and counsel the performers during their non-performance days. Some students with hearing impairments have enrolled in regular schools after speech training. The troupe also has an educational partnership with the University for Science & Technology in Beijing. After taking its qualifying entrance exams, performers can study either at the local campus or via long-distance learning. More than 50 students have taken part in the programme; they will be among the first group of students with disabilities to graduate from this university.

The troupe is managed as any other performing group in terms of publicity and show management; difference is found in how the members take care of each other. The hearing-impaired performers look after those with visual impairments and physical disabilities. Interdependencies have developed that deepen relationships on stage and off.

The troupe’s performances are directed by highly acclaimed artists. Artists with hearing impairments speak their minds and express themselves through rhythmic and artful dances. Artists with visual impairments express their imaginations and visions through musical pieces and dance. Artists with physical disabilities dazzle audiences with their agility. 

Eight years ago, the artistic directors and producers created a show and subsequently a movie titled My Dream. The show and movie showcase the outstanding talents of the troupe, and the life stories of the performers. My Dream has been performed in more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Oceania. The message of hope in the performances was hailed as “A Special Art Star of Mankind and Image Ambassador for 600 Million People with Disabilities in the World” by the Sixth World Assembly of Disabled Peoples' International .

In the last eight years, My Dream has been performed for the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Athens, the Summit Meeting of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and at other high-level events. The troupe recently performed for the athletes staying in the Olympic Village during the Beijing Olympics. My Dream will play again during the Paralympics in Beijing this month.