International Day of Persons with Disabilities
A documentary exploring the magical world of diversity on the Onassis Channel on YouTube

Inside the Onassis Library, a group of people with intellectual disabilities flick through the books of their lives. Guided by the director Georgia Mavragani, and in collaboration with ESTIA (Support & Social Care Centre for People with Intellectual Disability), the participants of the “Life Like an Open Book” workshop are now taking to the digital stage that is the Onassis Channel on YouTube. A documentary made out of personal stories and everyday moments, and their favorite texts, songs, and objects which they use to build the script, the overarching tone and, at the end of it all, a performance that is experiential, both for its leads and for the audience watching.

Each of them “open up” like a book that’s one-of-a-kind, and out jump all the things that perhaps in the end describe – be it directly or indirectly – what disability might mean. Taking some sound or a touch, words or objects or a series of snapshots as a starting point – whatever helps them express their deepest desires and most secret dreams in spontaneous and honest ways – a magical world of shared feelings slowly emerges. The camera captures a thrilling portrayal of heartfelt expression and powerful emotions born out of the dramaturgical process by means of movement, interaction, and speech.

The lights come up and the performance’s creators and leads take to the stage, seeking out the gaze – the visibility – that proves life is a unique experience of incalculable value. Look at them and, the moment the curtain falls, talk with them.