The Inclusive Studio of the Musical Theater has started its first rehearsals

At the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater rehearsals with members of the UNESCO-approved "Inclusive Theater" project have started. The rehearsals which involved children and young people with hearing and speech disabilities began with symbolic silent applause in sign language. The head of the project, director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater, Honored Art Figure, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History Aligismat Lalayev once again informed the audience about the "Inclusive Theater" and thanked everyone who contributed to the project. Artistic director of the Creative Studio of the theater, prominent theater and film actress, People's Artist Shafiga Mammadova wished success and gave her recommendations to the members of the group, whom will operate within the studio. Ms. Shafiga emphasized that the theater stage is especially important and sacred to her, and called on everyone to take responsibility for their work and to respect art, for respecting the spirits of the artists. Mrs. Farah Ajalova, Head of the Art Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Araz Bagirli, Adviser of the Department of International Cooperation and Innovative Development of the Ministry, expressed their views on the project. In their speeches, they mentioned that the ministry has always supported such projects. They thanked the leadership of the Academic Musical Theater, for such a humane step and to establish a theater for people with hearing and speech disabilities in Azerbaijan for the first time. I should note that the main producer of the project is the theater's coordinator for international projects, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History - Rajab Mammadov. Well-known actor, People's Artist Parviz Mammadrzayev and Honored Art Figure, director Asgar Asgarov will do their best to prepare these people with disabilities for the stage. Volunteers of the Academic Musical Theater, who received special training in sign language, will also take part in the project. Under the leadership of Aluda Shakarova, an employee of the theater, young volunteers will help members of the "Inclusive Theater" to connect to the theater with more native wires. Meetings and trainings with the staff of the "Inclusive Theater" project, which is under management of the "Creative Studio" of the theater, will be conducted mainly online, 2 days in a week, with very less staff, at the theater, according to the rules of the pandemic.