Towards a Different Earth

Towards a Different Earth (TDE): An Accessible Eco-Theatres Arts Residency involves the creation of a methodology that results in the co-production of an accessible theatre series about mountains and climate change for New Audiences with a specific focus on Blind/VI and Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities.

The Accessible Eco-Theatre Residency included:
1) An Introductory Webinar Series with guest contributors from both the US and India on best practices for Accessible Eco-Theatres; 2) In-person mixed ability workshops for diverse participants and selected theatre professionals on accessible theatres in relation to acting, movement, creativity, collaboration, storytelling, music, rehearsal, and the co-creation of an intercultural mini-theatre series on mountains and climate change; 3) A public showing (with live-streaming) of the mini-theatre series, and 4) A webinar which showcases the “how-to” documentary short. We want to generate greater understanding of, new interest in, and initiatives for subsequent undertakings in a range of Accessible Eco-Theatres Projects.

The Public Showing and Performance took place on July 27, 2024, at Medlycott Hall, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur.

Workshop Participants / Performers
Abdul Khayoom PT; Anna Raphy; Anupam Tiwari; Arun Bose; Chandana; Dhina Das P G; Gaytri Katyal; Gowri NJ; Milett Medelene;  Mruthul CM; Muhammed Shibil; Rohin. A. B;  Saneesh V V; Shaliq S; Mohammed; Sona K; Sree Ranjini S Babu; Sreekumar V  I;   Yadhunandha Jain JP

Towards A Different Earth Performance Making Team
Director/Playwright: Kanta Kochhar – Lindgren; Music Composer: Ajiesh Anto; Music Producer & Pianist: Anjohn Ajiesh; Performance Coaches & Teaching Assistants: Mruthul CM, Anupam Tiwari; Lighting Design: Tejus Asha Rajan; Projections: Nithin Balu; Property Master: Jithin Vaikathoor; Subtitles: Chandana; Subtitle Execution: Saranya Rajeevan Koliyote (Indian Sign Language Interpreter); Devi Krishna GR (Indian Sign Language Interpreter); Suryalakshmi CP (Audio Describer)

Towards A Different Earth Administrative Team
Kanta Kochhar – Lindgren, Ph.D. (Project Lead, Primary Workshop Facilitator); Dr. CS Biju (Project Co – Lead); Tejus Asha Rajan (Project Curator, Film Maker); Saranya (Co-Project Curator); Arun Bose (Blind Community Liaison); Henry Sunny (Deaf Community Liaison); St. Thomas College, Thrissur Coordinators: Dr. Syam Sudhakar (Asst. Professor, Research Guide); Aswathi Kishore (Research Scholar, Dept. of English); Mariya Thomas (Research Scholar, Dept. of English)

Supported by
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented in partnership with Global Ties U.S. Project Partners included: St. Thomas College (Autonomous) Thrissur; Video Buddies; AccessAmuse; David’s School of Music; Motionara.