Aheda has always had a talent for storytelling and believes sign language is an under-appreciated form of artistic expression. However, opportunities for a D/deaf female storyteller in Jordan are rare.
A feeling of nervous excitement took over Aheda when she was invited to take part in a disability art showcase run by our partner Sanad Abu Assaf. The Arts for All Week aimed to highlight art as an essential right for persons with disabilities, whether as artists or members of the audience.
Aheda worked closely with Sanad and other members of the D/deaf community to create a performance that for the first time would feature D/deaf storytellers and non-Deaf dancers on stage. The show was presented to audiences in Irbed and the capital Amman.
For the first time Aheda was able to break the silos she has been contained within and work closely with contemporary dancers to create an artistic showcase that shows the talent of artists with disabilities and has appeal for audiences across Jordan.
The showcase premiered at the Haya Cultural Center to rapturous applause from the audience. The response to the show has motivated the project team to schedule a tour to take the performance to audiences across Jordan.
This single opportunity has led to further discussions about how artists with disabilities can collaborate with the arts and culture sector in Jordan, potentially opening up opportunities for many more artists.