Chennai

Until just a few years ago, Fonceca viewed taking the public transport to work every day as a nightmarish experience. Bus conductors told her not to take the bus during peak hours, as she delayed their trips. She said, “They told me I was taking a long time to board and alight. Sometimes, the drivers would not wait for me to alight. I have fallen from the bus a couple of times.” 

Cut to 2018, she is all set to perform as part of ‘Aruna and The Raging Sun’, a production by Graeae (UK) and La FuradelsBaus (Spain), which comprises 24-metre-tall puppets, fireworks, mind-boggling aerial performances. The show details a story of a disabled superhero helping humanity battling climate change.

“When I was approached for this production, I was extremely doubtful if I would be able to perform. I wondered how I could be part of such a highly technical production that has a vast stage in an open area. But now, I see it as an opportunity to be heard, to be part of society, where otherwise the disabled and normal people are segregated,” Fonceca said. 

As part of the British Council’s UK-India Year of Culture, the show aims to convey the message of an inclusive society, sharing a bright future with all, said the producer Patrick Collier, Llead producer, Graeae Theatre Company, which has been actively staging shows with the disabled for close to four decades now. 

Collier said, “Like Matilda, there are other performers like the phenomenally talented dancers from Dr MGR Janaki College, who are hearing impaired. The idea is to offer a platform for artiste, it is not about generosity, it is about starting an artiste movement involving them.” 

‘Aruna and the Raging Sun’ will be staged at the Lady Willingdon College Campus near Marina Beach at 6.30 pm on February 24.

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