Art breaks down physical and mental barriers, tomorrow in Rome at the Teatro Olimpico the musical 'La Tempesta'

Tomorrow at the Teatro Olimpico in Rome the show 'The Tempest' will be performed, freely adapted from the work of the same name by William Shakespeare. A story that teaches us that, if it is true that the arts can help lead people to the threshold of peace, to cross it you need the only true magic, more powerful than all the others, that of the heart.

"Art is a universal language that breaks down physical and mental barriers, opening the doors to creative expression. For people with disabilities, commitment to the artistic field can become an extraordinary opportunity to overcome the challenges that disability presents them every day, going beyond their limits and communicating with others in a meaningful way". This is the goal that L'Arte nel cuore has been pursuing for almost twenty years, the first European project of inclusive artistic training that works on integration to develop artistic talent in an integrated environment. The setting is that of the Academy of Performance, with lessons in dance, acting, dubbing, music and singing, to offer a structure conceived and designed for inclusion with a capital I.

"Even kids with disabilities, if properly trained, can work - explains Daniela Alleruzzo, president of the academy - Many of our students testify to this: Emanuela Annini, an actress with Down syndrome, has participated in films, TV series and worked as a voice actress; Tiziano Donnici and Alessandro Tiberi both worked as voice actors for the feature film 'Champions'. Because where there is talent, there are no barriers. In our academy, students work together, in the same class, without making any kind of distinction. It is precisely thanks to this sharing that even the so-called 'deserving' kids have overcome their difficulties, overcoming shyness and increasing their self-esteem, taking the strength and will of kids with disabilities as a guide".

"Every person, with or without disabilities, has a natural way of expressing themselves - underlines Marinella Cozzolino, psychotherapist and clinical sexologist - We have 5 senses, but each one tends to prefer or develop one in particular. Some notice visual nuances, others develop a very refined sense of touch well above average. Those who cannot see often develop extraordinary hearing and perception. There are those who have a refined taste, like tasters, or those who have such a developed sense of smell that they can create complex fragrances. Depending on the stimuli and experiences we live, we can develop different abilities. The name itself says it, 'Art in the heart', and in the heart we are all the same. We have all the potential, but each one develops it based on the context, the environment, the experiences. Those born in the mountains most likely learn to ski, those who grow up at the sea usually know how to swim".

"I didn't want to create a happy island: L'Arte nel cuore is not only dedicated to kids with disabilities, but is also open to kids without disabilities, because only when you share a dream, a project, can you break down mental and cultural barriers - continues Alleruzzo - Art, in all its forms, is a tool for inclusion, a form of natural therapy. Theater, for example, helps not only people with disabilities, but also those without disabilities who perhaps have difficulty relating, opening up. It allows them to develop new skills, to free their imagination and self-confidence. Art becomes an instrument of strength. Let's not see them as a burden, but as a resource for society".

"Any physical difficulty can become an opportunity to enhance another ability. But this applies to everyone: even people without disabilities have so much potential that they often don't develop, or don't have a way to express. It's on these differences that we need to reflect. When we relate to others, we often overcome their difficulties and see everything else. This trains us to adapt, to listen, to build authentic relationships. It's a mutual enrichment, a continuous learning. Observing how the other overcomes their obstacles teaches us something: if I'm afraid of the dark and Giulia lives in the dark and loves life anyway, then I can learn from her", concludes Cozzolino.