Hopeart presents Homo Empathycus – The Age of Colours, a unique performance by artists with disabilities, created for audiences with disabilities. This double-inclusive performance will be showcased on Friday, November 8, at 7 pm as part of the 3rd Nevronas FESTival, taking place from November 8-12 at Technopolis City of Athens.
The performance explores themes of empathy, vulnerability, generosity, compassion, and acceptance. Before taking the stage, the artists completed a 54-hour workshop on Angeliki Voulgari’s “The Art of Connection” method, part of the European project No One Forgotten – The Art of Connection as a Methodology for Artists with and without Disabilities (Creative Europe). The concept, script, and direction were crafted by Vasilis Panagiotidis.
In addition to the festival presentation, Homo Empathycus will be performed in 10 institutions for people with disabilities from November 12 to December 6, 2024. (detailed programme on the official website www.hopeart.gr).
About “Homo Empathycus”
George sells yellow balloons in his shop, The Sunflower. Business, however, isn’t going well—customers have stopped buying his yellow balloons. Despite the dwindling clientele, George resists changing his product line, refusing to add other colors, even though it might boost sales. Yet, three unexpected visitors will prompt him to reconsider, showing him that in life, we must stay flexible and open to new perspectives, all while staying true to our values and unique traits.
This show offers a gentle exploration of how a person can find harmony within themselves, balancing light and darkness, sweetness and resolve, fate and change. It reflects on how we can be part of this world, embracing our individuality while remaining open-minded enough to connect with what’s different—ultimately keeping us linked to the whole.
Credits
Concept / director: Vassilis Panagiotidis (Hopeart)
Production assistant: Stella Konstantinou
Movement coaching: Mara (Maria) Tsourma
Performance songs: Vassilis Panagiotidis (Hopeart)
Poster artwork: Aris Sobotis (hopeart)
Artistic and organizational curator: Angeliki Voulgari (Hopeart)
Performers: Mara (Maria) Tsourma, Korina Gkouma, Giorgos Derkas, Stefanos Filos, Juliana Bousi, Thrasyvoulos Arvanitis
About the 3rd Nevronas FESTival
For the third consecutive year, Nevronas FESTival brings together artists with and without disabilities. From Friday, November 8, to Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Technopolis in the Municipality of Athens, it invites attendees to experience and enjoy a rich lineup of Theatre, Music, Dance, Exhibitions, Films, Workshops, Performances, Inspirational Talks, and Engaging Discussions—celebrating culture and more.
With the motto “Art does not discriminate,” this year’s festival presents a 75-hour program over 5 days, focused on “inclusion and accessibility in the arts.” With 90 diverse events for all ages, without limits, and more than 300 participating artists, it offers something inspiring for everyone.
Friday 8/11: 17:00 – 03:00, Saturday 9/11: 09:00 – 03:00, Sunday 10/11, Monday 11/11 and Tuesday 12/11: 09:00 – 24:00
Daily Ticket: €8 pre-sale, €10 box office
Online tickets: https://www.more.com/happenings/festival/3o-nevronas-festival-texnopoli-dimou-athinaion/
Photogallery
Stills from the performance at Technopolis (8 Nov. 2024)
