By KELLY REID
TWO ALTONA LADIES have combined career experience and their love for performing arts to provide accessible programs for people with a disability in Hobsons Bay.
With a long list of successful credentials between them, Myf Powell and Jo Cohen created the music theatre program ’Out of the Woods’ with support from council and the Disability Advisory Committee.
It offers participants and their carer the opportunity to learn music, dance and drama from a variety of styles and eras which hasn’t been available in the community before.
The sessions, which run every Monday from 10am to noon at Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton were inspired by other theatre companies that are inclusive of performers with a disability such as RAWCUS, FOG Theatre and City of Voices.
Myf, who is also artistic director of inclusive theatre company ’City of Voices’, is passionate about growing a new, enjoyable theatre program.
“We’ve brought it to a local level which is the right environment to nurture their creativity and abilities as performers,” Myf said.
“It’s a challenging new venture but the rewards really outweigh that.
“It also gives Monday a lift, it’s something different.”
The Out of the Woods program gives Myf the opportunity to share her love of inclusive arts with other creative minds.
“I really enjoy the art that is created,” she said.
“It’s about equality.
“People with a disability are creative and these programs recognise and promote their right to be creative.”
The Out of the Woods program not only showcases the creative works of people with a disability but celebrates diversity, welcoming people of any age, ability or disposition to create performances for the community.
Ultimately, Myf’s goal is to offer a program that is ongoing for participants.
