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Janet Donald who was also an actor pre to 1992. She read over my hobbies and asked the question "do you like drama?" and I replied "Yes I do!" In the following year, the drama has born.
In 1995, we had 6 actors with disabilities and we formed a group named "Ability Bunch". Since then, it was a success for 15 months. We did a play called "Now we will show you what we are made of!", We were also shown at channel 31, channel 9, THE AGE, and the local newspapers.
Since then till the present day, I have been known to the local councils, local organisations and government bodies.
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From Ability Bunch
In January '95, we started up one day a week for four weeks rehearsals, and it was successful. and we continued another month.
March '95, Janet and I formed and started a group of 12 disabled people; including myself. We rehearsed at the Deadening Community Arts Centre for 15 months. in that time, We were also funded by the local Council, Spastic Society (now Scope), and Australia Council for the Arts worth under $17.000.
May '96, we performed at the Chandler Community Theatre in Keysborough, Victoria. We performed for 5 days which included for the students from the school. in that time, we also were supported from the SkaTV, Channel 31, Channel 9, The Journal Newspaper, and etc.
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Mentorship Development
In July 2002, we were funded for the "Mentorship Development" from Arts Victoria (now Creative Victoria). I was trained by Andrea Litras who trained me for 6 months.
At the end of the training, we hired a couple of professio nal actors and we did a showpiece.
The Mentor, Andrea Litras
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The people made possible.
With Kate Katsounis
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With Tony Nikolapoupoulos
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I am the man of compassion with life.... not despire.
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Dramablity
During 1997, I took steps to get a drama group started for myself and other adults with intellectual disabilities. I had previously been involved in performing groups such as The Ability Bunch and wanted to be part of a group that would enable an even greater number of participants to enjoy drama and performing.
I contacted Deakin University’s school of performing arts in search of a drama teacher and eventually made contact with drama education lecturer Jo Raphael.
A meeting was set up between myself, Jo Raphael from Deakin University and representatives of the disability former service provider Leisure Link-up (now The Bridge), The City of Greater Dandenong and Springvale Neighbourhood House. With the support of these groups two highly successful pilot workshops were held in 1997 and Dramability was founded.
In 2013, the group has changed from Dramability to Fusion Theatre Ensemble.
The Other Film Festival
In December 2004, I did my first ever short film in my career. I did a film similar to the showpiece (Sticks and Stones) at these previous year (in 2003).
The Arts Access created the first ever festival called "Other Film Festival". Also ACMI (Australia Centre for the Moving Image) supplied their services and creating films with other participants since December 2006.
Commonwealth Game - Melbourne (2006)
On 26th of March was the Closing Ceremony and I was there too. The whole thing was overwhelming for me in that time. And I was over the moon with motions. The performance started with an Indian performance. Then they had a football theme with Ballerinas. I loved the part with the thousand Dames; I was one of them. For more information about that, you can go to: commonwealthgames.com.au/melbourne-2006-a-moment-in-sport-history/
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