Film Background
In January of 2005, filmmaker Kenny Dalsheimer was invited to document the work of the Community Inclusive Theater Group in Durham, NC. Kenny was intrigued by director Richard Reho’s unique vision for this work. Reho inspires and teaches a co-creative process—one in which participants come together with no script and work individually and collectively to create a performance. Committed to radical listening, Reho asked people with significant disabilities who are non-speaking to join the project. The group performed its original piece, “The Song that Greens the Earth”, in November of 2005 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC.
After shooting for many months, Kenny saw the potential for a film that would be a catalyst for essential social change. He saw it as a vehicle for initiating dialogue on inclusion and the right to self-expression for people with disabilities. Kenny and co-producer Polly Medlicott wanted the film to challenge unquestioned assumptions many people have about the intelligence and competence of people who are non-speaking. They realized that the story of Polly and her son Chris would best convey this message.
Our purpose in sharing A New Kind of Listening is to encourage inclusive arts initiatives in communities far and wide. To realize that vision, our grassroots screening campaign will be active on two fronts: Polly Medlicott will take the film on the road in her tiny Teardrop camper, using screening events and workshops to promote arts inclusion for people with disabilities and their fellow citizens. At the same time, DVD’s will be available through our website to arts and advocacy organizations, cultural centers, faith communities, universities, schools, conference organizers and individuals. Folks can easily schedule their own events, purchase DVD’s, and use the Organizer’s Toolkit to plan a successful screening. To learn more about organizing your own event CLICK HERE.
A New Kind of Listening can be a powerful tool for growing communities where everyone feels a sense of real belonging. We invite you to join our campaign to promote inclusive arts!
Kenny Dalsheimer, director/co-producer
Polly Medlicott, co-producer
