Tweets from Jamie Brewer and Lauren Potter at the Golden Globes!

Tweets from Jamie Brewer (American Horror Story) and Lauren Potter (Glee) from the Golden Globes!

Jamie Brewer (@MsJamieBrewer) tweeted at 10:20 PM on Sun, Jan 12, 2014:
This was earlier on my way to the #GoldenGlobes!! Can't believe it!!! http://t.co/rc2Bp2Fuwt
(https://twitter.com/MsJamieBrewer/status/422568755550384128)

Lauren Potter (@TheLaurenPotter) tweeted at 10:48 AM on Mon, Jan 13, 2014:
I had a blast last night at the Golden Globes! I was so excited to meet Ty Burrell! #goldenglobes #glee #modernfamily http://t.co/XDP3KExqXP
(https://twitter.com/TheLaurenPotter/status/422757075408539648)

Actor with special needs from W. Stockbridge overcomes challenges, achieves goals

  by Jenn Smith from the Berkshire Eagle: NORTH ADAMS -- He's not Santa Claus, but a young man named Peter Johnson brought a whole lot of hope and holiday cheer to a movie theater full of fans over the weekend. Johnson, now 26, of Scituate and West Stockbridge, has a leading role in a 2007 holiday family film called "The Child King." The film was part of a special presentation organized by United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County and the North Adams Movieplex, which donated the use of the theater and some popcorn for the nearly 70 people who attended the screening. "The Child King" chronicles the story of an older brother, Jeremy West (Johnson), who is determined to prove the existence of Santa Claus to his younger brother Jarrett (Will Kellem), resulting in a memorable road trip full of adventure, personal discovery and a little holiday magic. What makes this film -- produced by Massachusetts-based brothers Jeff and Frank Kerr -- unique, is that it's one of the few feature-length films out there to feature an actor and leading character with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition through which a baby inherits an extra chromosome. The extra genetic material can cause both physical and mental developmental delays in a person, varying their levels of ability. Approximately one in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. "My focus for this film and for being here today is just strictly for the special needs community and to spread awareness," Johnson told The Eagle after the screening. Johnson was nearly 17 at the time when the Kerrs began making the film -- a whole other story in itself (thechildking.com/about.html). "When I first met Peter, I had my doubts," director Frank Kerr told The Boston Globe in a 2007 article about the film. "A lead actor with Down syndrome? Could he carry off his lines? Hit his marks? Wait for cues? Interact with other actors? Those aren't the easiest things to do and still be comfortable in front of a camera. But Peter loosened up as we went along and did a wonderful job." Johnson told The Eagle that "the thing about people with special needs is not about the abilities they don't have but about the dedication they do have and people's feelings inside." He said both in the film and in real life, some people look at people with Down syndrome and think or call a person with Down syndrome "stupid." "I don't like the word and I think it's unacceptable to say to a special needs person," Johnson said. In the film, his character Jeremy also successfully stands up to bullies who judge his intelligence. He says at times, Peter Johnson said he feels "trapped in my skin" but continues to set and work hard to achieve life goals. Johnson gives his parents, Jane and Charlie Johnson a lot of credit for their support -- "They've been with me for so long even when I wake up at night going through all the things that I feel." The Johnson family also gives credit to a lot of support from community-based programs, like Friendship Home Inc. in Norwell, where Peter goes to a day program to learn and practice job and life skills. Peter has been working out at and working for the health and well-being center and his local YMCA since 2002. He also works as a host at an Irish pub in Norwell called The Tinker's Son. "Job coaching and having an intermediary between an employer and family is helpful," Charlie Johnson said. After Saturday's film screening, Peter went to the UCP offices in North Adams for a reception luncheon, where he was greeted with applause and hugs from fans, like Louisa Millonzi of Riverbrook in Stockbridge. Erin Cote, assistant director of individual and family support services for UCP-Berkshire, said this was the first inclusive film screening event of its kind the organization has hosted. "I think a lot of the guys here especially are excited to see a guy with disabilities playing a guy with disabilities in a movie. They don't get to see someone like that often," she said. Peter Johnson said his advice to other people with special needs working toward life goals is to "do what your heart wants to do and go with your stomach. There are more possibilities out there. The more people talk to [people with special needs] the more they will see this." To reach Jenn Smith:
jsmith@berkshireeagle.com,
or (413) 496-6239.
On Twitter: @JennSmith_Ink More information To learn more about UCP of the Berkshires, visit ucpberkshire.org or call (413) 442-1562. To learn more about "The Child King" film and The Child King Foundation, the Massachusetts nonprofit that gives grants to organizations supporting people with disabilities, visit thechildking.com.

UK Theatre Review: Up Down Boy

Up Down Boy by Sue Shields and the Myrtle Theatre is coming to theNormansfield Theatre Teddington on Saturday 9 November at 7.30pm.

Booking: 0333 1212 300 or lesley.alabaf@downs-syndrome.org.uk

Review by Hayley Goleniowska, mum and author of award-winning blog Downs Side Up

Every once in a while an experience shifts 
the tectonic plates of your soul. 
Powerless to stop the raw emotions held beneath, 
they flow forth and you have no choice but to face them, 
accept and deal with them before filing them away 
and carrying on your life, a little bit wiser.

Watching the breathtakingly powerful Myrtle Theatre play Up Down Boy by Sue Shields was, for me, such a moment. For in one hour it condensed, amalgamated and highlighted all the challenges and worries of parenting a child with Down’s syndrome and made me smile and laugh aloud at the lessons we learn, the silver linings and the eccentricities that make our worlds so wonderfully unique.

Sue crafted the play together with her son Nathan Bessell who plays Matty, a teenager with Down syndrome. We watch as he and his mother Odette, perfectly portrayed by Heather Williams, prepare for him to leave for college.

actor with Down syndrome to star in Bollywood film

by Shivani Mankermi from the Daily Mail:

Mumbai-based Abuli Mamaji has from Down syndrome, but that isn't stopping him from starring in a forthcoming Bollywood film.

Abuli will be playing a character close to his real self on screen. Director Nikhil Pherwani has cast him as a protagonist with the genetic disorder, in his film tentatively titled Ahaan.

While films based on various illnesses have lately become popular in Bollywood, this is probably the first time that a person suffering from an illness has been cast to play the character on screen.

"The film is about a new beginning for Ahaan, the character played by Abuli. The message I want to give through the unusual subject is that we should not shun the special adults in our society," Nikhil said.

"Any Day Now" true story film about a gay man adopting a boy with Down syndrome in 1979

by Gregg Shapiro from GA Voice:
This year ends on an especially high note for LGBT film with “Any Day Now” (Music Box Films), starring out actor Alan Cumming as Rudy, a gay West Hollywood man who must deal with a prejudicial and antiquated court system as he attempts to adopt a boy with Down syndrome in 1979.
Cumming gives the performance of his career and even has the opportunity to sing a couple of numbers in the movie.
“Any Day Now” is written and directed by straight filmmaker Travis Fine, an Atlanta native, based on an original screenplay by George Arthur Bloom.
“There was something that drew me to this notion of this outsider trying to raise this child, trying to save this child — the Rudy character and the young boy being outsiders,” Fine says, noting that he added the character of Paul, Rudy’s closeted partner, who was not in the original script.
“There was also something in the situation that moved me as a parent,” he says. “I wasn’t exactly quite sure why it spoke to me, but it did in a deep profound way.”
The film is set in 1979 West Hollywood, but could just as easily have taken place in 1989 or 1999. Fine said he chose to keep the earlier time period because the original screenplay was based on a true story, and to explore “the gritty, character-driven” style of 1970s cinema.
“From a political point of view, the story would be different, certainly in Los Angeles in 2009 or 2012,” Fine says. “But as we all know, there are still certain places, even within this country, where the story wouldn’t be that much different. There would be some of the same challenges and hurdles and obstacles.”
Fine says he was thrilled to have openly gay actor Alan Cuming in the lead role.
“As a straight filmmaker who had the honor of telling an important, profound and moving story about a chapter in the late ‘70s of the LGBT movement, it was incredibly important to have Alan take on that role,” Fine says.
“Not only is Alan a sensational actor, an incredible talent and a wonderful human being, but he’s an OBE, an Order of the British Empire, knighted by  the Queen for his work on LGBT rights and equality,” he says. “He is not just giving lip service to equality. He has fought that fight and been a vocal champion and proponent of equality and LGB T rights.”
Rudy begins carrying for Marco, a teen with Down Syndrome, after he visits a neighboring apartment to complain about noise and finds the young man abandoned by his mother. Isaac Levya’s performance as Marco is “brilliant,” Fine says, noting that he edited the character to fit the actor.
“We put out a nationwide search for the kid, both through traditional agents and managers and casting directors around the country and also through the Down Syndrome Associations all  around the country,” Fine says.
“We saw people as young as 12 and 13 and some that were  as old as their mid-20s. Isaac, from his very first reading which I saw on my computer, his first audition tape, there was something so charming, so sweet and honest about his performance,” he says. “It didn’t feel like acting.”
“Any Day Now” has won several awards at film festivals, has crossover appeal and the potential to be remembered fondly at Oscar time. As the film heads to wider release this month, “I hope the audiences find it,” Fine says.
“While it can be challenging to sit through at times, and it certainly covers some heavy political and emotional and personal issues, it is ultimately a crowd pleaser.”
The movie opens December 21.

Top photo: ‘Any Day Now’ stars Alan Cumming (right) as Rudy, a gay man who wants to adopt Marco, a boy with Down Syndrome, played by Isaac Levya (center). Garret Dillahunt (left) is Rudy’s closeted partner, Paul. (Publicity photo via Facebook)

Acting Career is Rewarding for Washington, DC Area Resident With Down Syndrome

J.P. Illaramendi is an active member of the arts scene in the Washington DC area. A 38 year old with Down Syndrome, J.P. has been involved with theatrical productions since his teens and also serves on the board of directors of two arts groups, ArtStream, a Silver Spring, MD-based non-profit that brings creative experiences to people with disabilities, and Interplay Band, an inclusive musical organization that gives concerts at the well-known Strathmore Hall.

As a teenager J.P. began building his acting resume at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD where he took part in a special theatre program and proved to be a natural playing an assortment of parts over several years.

He then participated in three musicals over three years, first playing the apostle Matthew in Jesus Christ Superstar. The actor who played Jesus said that when Matthew came to say goodbye to Jesus, J.P. cried real tears during every performance. In Evita he played a drunk in a bar scene. Then he played a character with Down Syndrome in Looking for Roberto Clemente, where he got hold of a magic ball and hit a home run.

J.P. has also worked at the DC area's Round House Theatre and at Arena Stage. Those who have worked with him say J.P. clearly has a gift for performing and is totally free of stage fright.

Currently he is a member of one of ArtStream's Inclusive Theatre Companies and plays percussion with the Interplay Band.

His ArtStream director is Natalie Zanin. "J.P. takes improvisation to new levels," Zanin says. "He's creative on his feet and has the ability to fix a scene when it goes wrong. He has precise comic timing. Plus he has that rare gift of generosity among his fellow actors. He gives space to others and comes up with scenarios to help other actors show what they can do."

Zanin says, "J.P. comes up to me after ArtStream classes and says, 'what if we tried this?' He has great ideas for how to fix problems. He's a remarkable asset on stage, in acting classes and at ArtStream in general."

J.P. was one of two special-needs individuals to do a six-month internship that focused on theatre administration at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Following that experience he became a regular usher there two times a week. The ushering work is a paid position and he adds to it a weekly volunteer stint at the Kennedy Center's Education Department.

At age 16 J.P. became diabetic and it's now just another thing he manages with grace and his infectious smile. J.P. loves doing an imitation of the James Brown hit "I Feel Good"

and everyone around him feels the same way when he does it.

Photos: At ArtStream's recent Gala

For more information about ArtStream: http://www.art-stream.org/ For more information about Interplay Band: http://interplayband.org/ .

Actors with Down syndrome in more films, TV; 'Glee' star Lauren Potter says 'we're just like anybody else'

by Hollie McKay from Fox News:
Hollywood is looking for more actors with Down syndrome to play pivotal roles featuring characters with the developmental disability, and actors and industry experts alike say the increase in their visibility is making a big difference both on screen and off.
At least two films being released over the next few weeks feature characters with Down syndrome in pivotal roles. Vanessa Paradis’ “Café de Flore” explores the unrequited love between a mother and her young son with Down Syndrome in the socially stigmatized 1960’s Paris, while Alan Cummings’s “Any Day Now” is inspired by the true story of a gay couple who took in a teenage boy with Down Syndrome abandoned by his drug-addicted mother.
On the small screen there’s “Glee,” which features Lauren Potter, an actress with Down syndrome; Luke Zimmerman, who stars in “The Secret Life of an American Teenager”; and Jamie Brewer who plays a key role in “American Horror Story.” Hit shows “Saving Grace,” “CSI,” “Life Goes On” and “Nip/Tuck” have also recently featured characters with the disability.
“We love to see all the actors with Down syndrome in the spotlight, so everyone can witness how people with Down syndrome succeed with support and are able to pursue their dream,” Julie Cevallos, rep for the National Down Syndrome Society, told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column. “We haven’t seen this since the break out of Chris Burke, our NDSS Goodwill Ambassador, who was the star of ‘Life Goes On’ in 1989. It helps reduce the outdated stereotypes by showing beautiful, talented, communicative actors.”

Therapist Dr. Nancy Irwin concurs that the recent boom in roles for those with Down syndrome help audiences understand the disability, and shows Hollywood is trying to more accurately reflect “real” society. 
“Entertainment should reflect all of us,” Irwin said. “Not just the ‘perfect’ people.”
For Lauren Potter, who has been on the FOX hit “Glee” for four seasons, her role represents more than just an acting job.
“It feels amazing to be a role model for people with and without disabilities. I get mail from people all over the world now from people who tell me that they didn’t really understand Down syndrome, but because of me they have read about it and studied it and now they know a lot more about it,” she said. “Lots of people with little kids or babies with Down syndrome tell me they aren’t afraid of the future for their child because of what I am doing to help people understand it better.”
Potter acknowledges that opportunities for actors with the disability have grown, but says Hollywood still has a long way to go.
“(It has shifted) but not enough! I love working on ‘Glee,’ and I hope that there are more and more parts for me and other actors with Down syndrome in television and in movies so I can keep working for a long, long time,” she said. “Actors with Down syndrome are just like any other actor, they want to follow their dream to act and have great roles; not just roles that are written for people with Down syndrome, but parts that are written for any man or woman. Parts that can be played by a good actor that just happens to also have Down syndrome.”
That’s where Gail Williamson comes in. For the past two decades as the founder of the non-profit Down syndrome in Arts & Media organization, she has been actively working with studios and agencies to cast actors with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Some of the shows she has assisted with include “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” “CSI,” “ER, and “Scrubs.”

Williamson says babies born with Down syndrome are perhaps some of the youngest humans ever taught acting. “These children suddenly find themselves meeting a host of new adults (therapists) who will ‘direct’ them in reaching the milestones of babyhood,” she explained. “It’s happening, and there are more people with disabilities like Down syndrome in television and in films today.”
The increased presence of actors with Down syndrome also has a powerful impact on those who work with them. French actress Vanessa Paradis told us that her “Café de Flore” role gave her a deeper appreciation and understanding of those with developmental disabilities.
“He was so smart and charismatic, we had such a strong connection and there was so much intensity, generosity and grace,” she said of Marin Gerrier, the young actor with Down syndrome who played her son. “There is something so pure in the way he interacted with others. He is such a beautiful little boy, really quick and sharp.”
Adam Moore, SAG-AFTRA National Director of Equal Employment Opportunities & Diversity, also praised the recent changes in the industry.
"Seeing someone with a disability onscreen has an unparalleled impact on the way in which audiences engage with issues of disability in every part of their off-screen lives," he said. "For so long now, the lives and experiences depicted in entertainment have been a poor reflection of the actual world in which we live, but I believe that producers and audiences alike are now demanding more truthful representations that include people with disabilities."
Potter agrees.
“People see that even though I have Down syndrome, I am just like anybody else,” she said. “People used to look away because they thought I was different than they; but now people come right up to me and talk to me, they aren’t afraid of the differences. People can watch me and say, ‘wow, she is just like any typical girl.’”

Actor with Down syndrome encourages teens to reach for their dreams

By Linda Girardi For The Beacon-News:
Although Peter ten Brink is a successful actor, starring in several favorite roles, it is his inspirational life’s story that wins over his audiences.

“It would be great if everyone could reach for their goals, use their imagination and love themselves for who they are,” the actor said.

The 20-year-old ten Brink has Down syndrome. And when he isn’t working in theater productions or memorizing his lines for the big screen, he is an advocate for those with special needs.

On Sunday, he met with a group of teenagers from GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley, a Down syndrome awareness and educational center that provides specialized teaching and support for individuals and their families. Sunday’s program was at the Comedy Shrine at Westfield Fox Valley mall in Aurora, a couple doors down from GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley.

People with special disabilities “can get ahead just like any other person,” ten Brink told his audience, and he graciously shared credit for his success — with his parents, Frank ten Brink and Jeannine Cleary of Glencoe, who accompany him on the sets, and with his acting coach, Sarah Rose Graber.

“I sincerely love my family – they are the best,” he said.

He said his mother often reminds him to eat healthy. “Naturally I don’t – I love french fries,” he said, drawing laughter.

When a teen asked how old he was and said he was “cute,” ten Brink replied to his fan by saying, “Ditto.”

“When Peter was born schools were just starting to include students with special needs in the regular classroom,” Jeanine Cleary said. “This new generation coming up is completely comfortable and accepting of people with disabilities.”

His parents acknowledged the days on movie sets are long, but their son is passionate about acting and he has remarkable ability for memorizing his lines.

He began acting with the Special Gifts Theatre in Northbrook and performed in productions for his school, New Trier High School. He realized his goal last year after he successfully auditioned for the leading role in the Hallmark movie “A Smile as Big as the Moon,” which is based on a true story about a group of students with special needs who overcome obstacles to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala.

On the big screen, ten Brink played a high school student with Down syndrome. His teacher was played by John Corbett of “Sex and the City” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” The movie aired earlier this year on ABC-TV.

On the improv stage of the Comedy Shrine, ten Brink sat beside his acting coach Graber, who directs a theater program for adults with special needs.

Graber said she was impressed with ten Brink’s willingness to work hard, be imaginative and creative.

“It wasn’t just about learning to play this game, but it was how to play this right and get better at it. Peter definitely is very passionate about learning,” the acting coach said.

After meeting with the actor, the GiGi’s Playhouse teens watched a video of the movie with their parents and siblings, as well as about a dozen teen volunteers from GiGi’s Playhouse.

“We wanted to give the kids some inspiration,” said program leader Marissa Quiles Yelenosky.

“The movie gives me hope for my 5-year old daughter, Samantha. Whatever their dreams, there is something out there for all of our children,” Yelenosky said.

Just Like You–Down Syndrome: A Big Message in 13 Minutes

By Abby Eden of Fox 4 KC:
The movie is called Just Like You-Down Syndrome. It’s the third in a series of Just Like You Films, made in the metro that aims to educate others about a unique situation. The latest focuses on Down Syndrome.
Hundreds of fans lined up Monday night, waiting to see the stars of the movie. What emerged weren’t the pouting faces of starlets, but the glowing faces of teenagers on a mission.
“I just wanted to encourage others to be friends with someone who has Down Syndrome because it really is a life-changing experience,” said Bobby Engen.
These best friends wanted to tell other people what it’s like to be a teenager with Down Syndrome. They’re spreading the message with the help of Just Like You films and the Down Syndrome Guild.
“The mission of Just Like You Films is to educate kids and other kids about unique circumstances that they may not otherwise know about,” said Jen Greenstreet, owner of Just Like You Films.
Their 13-minute film is expected to be shown across the country, even the world, and they’re enjoying their first night as movie stars.
“It’s amazing,” said Elyssa Schmitz.
It all started with the story of six best friends who decided to tell the world how much they’re “just like you”.  The funding for the movie came from private donations. It took two years to make.

Canadian play features 9 actors with Down syndrome

from CTV News:

What’s it like to live with Down syndrome?

That question and others about the meaning of human intelligence and what makes lives worthwhile are answered in heart-wrenching ways in the new play, “RARE.”

Written and directed by acclaimed Canadian playwright Judith Thompson, “RARE” debuted at the Tarragon Theatre on July 5^th as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival. The surprise hit racked up sell-out performances and will now run from August 1 – 3 as part of the Best of Fringe.

That success is owed, in large part, to Thompson’s nine stars, all of whom have Down syndrome.

Ranging in ages from 22 to 37, Thompson’s performers and co-creators share the story of their lives in this unusual production.

Some complain about little things, such as drivers who don’t know where they’re going on the road. Others talk about the pain of loss, unfulfilled dreams and living with relatives who are addicted to drugs. But throughout it all, Thompson’s cast reminds audiences that they are human beings, just like anyone else, and deserve respect.

“I told my cast ‘You are educators. You are teaching me and the audience here,’” Thompson said on Tuesday, appearing on CTV’s Canada AM.

One such educator includes performer-writer Nick Herd, who gives a powerful rendition of William Blake’s poem, “Tiger,” during the show.

“I’ve gone through a lot of things over the years,” Herd said on Tuesday on Canada AM.

“When I was just a baby I was discriminated because I was different,” he said.

Shortly after Herd’s birth, a nurse told his mother that she did not have to keep the child. But Herd’s mother chose to keep her son.

“In ‘RARE’ we share our life experiences,” said Herd.

“We are rare. We’re unique. We stand together,” he said.

Each year approximately 500 babies with Down syndrome are born in Canada.

Up to 97 per cent of all pregnant women who learn that they are carrying fetuses with Down syndrome through prenatal testing choose to terminate their pregnancies.

That fact is poignantly addressed in “RARE” when 23-year-old performer Krystal Nausbaum reads an open letter to female audience members who may have learned that they are carrying a Down syndrome child.

“Never give up and always keep on going,” Nausbaum reads out.

“People who have Down syndrome are very talented and would love to be raised by you. Be brave,” she says.

Thompson hopes that this message, as well as the play’s vibrant stars, will help audiences see those living with Down syndrome in powerful new ways.

“All people are beautiful. That’s the message. We need to respect who they are,” said Thompson.

See a video on this topic here:

http://canadaam.ctvnews.ca/canadian-play-features-actors-with-down-syndrome-1.898956#.UBk-w-3CtjE.link

Norway's Breien to shoot Down's Detective in Prague

from Screen Daily by Wendy Mitchell:
Norwegian director Bard Breien will shoot his second feature The Down’s Detective in the Czech Republic, it was announced yesterday at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
The film is a Norwegian-Czech-Danish-German co-production, and it will start shooting in late August.
The story is about a man with Down’s syndrome who wants to be a private detective. He has to pursue a former ice-skating legend who is now down on his luck. Svein Andre Hofso, who has Down’s syndrome, will play the lead [he is pictured in character].
Breien, who also wrote the script, said: “I want to tell an entertaining, exciting and touching story that will challenge the audience. It will be an adventure with one foot planted firmly in a well-known genre where a lonely private detective has to solve a mystery in a cold, dark and hostile world, while the other foot sets out in a completely unknown direction. The Down’s Detective is a film that sparkles with laughter as well as strong emotions, while the whole story and the main protagonist in particular are constantly balancing on the thin edge between tragedy and comedy.”
Producer Pål Røed added: “Just before Christmas 2011, we set off to scout the Czech Republic and Hungary as potential destinations. We were hoping that financial possibilities, lower production costs and different locations would enable us to make The Down’s Detective in a better way than back home. We knew that Bård had a name in the Czech Republic, but after one intense day in Prague, we realized how strong the Czechs felt about his film, his humour and his writing style. It did not take long before we cancelled our trip to Hungary, stayed a few more days in Prague and decided to make the film in the Czech Republic.”
Prague will stand in for Oslo in the film.
Friland’s production partners are Nimbus (Denmark), Unafilm (Germany) and Evolution Films (Czech Republic).
TrustNordisk will handle international sales and Cinemart has Czech rights.
The film has received financial support from the Norwegian Film Institute, the Nordic Film and Television Fund, the Danish Film Institute, the Czech State Fund for the Support and Development of Czech Cinema, and Eurimage.
“We are truly grateful for the support we have received in the Czech Republic. The Czech State Fund for the Support and Development of Czech Cinema really understands the potential of Bard Breien’s second film. It is a great honour for our company as well as for Czech cinema to be part of such a significant film project”, said Evolution Films’ producer Pavel Berčík.
Breiein’s first film The Art of Negative Thinking won the best director prize at KVIFF in 2007. The film went on to win the Czech Lion for best foreign film and then was adapted as a stage production.

actor with Down syndrome tackles Hamlet

from This is Cornwall:

A theatre company is to stage Shakespeare's Hamlet at the Minack Theatre with a Down's Syndrome actor taking the title role for the very first time.

Tommy Jessop, pictured, whose work includes a lead role in the BAFTA-nominated Coming Down The Mountain on BBC television, is touring with Blue Apple Theatre, one of the leading disability arts companies in the south which creates opportunities for actors with learning disabilities to perform in mainstream productions.

The play is being staged at Porthcurno's Minack on Saturday, May 12, at 7.30pm and will continue its tour across 12 UK locations.

Jane Jessop, founding director of Blue Apple Theatre in Winchester, said Hamlet was chosen as "the ultimate Shakespeare play" that would challenge both the cast and audience.

"All that actors with learning disabilities can mostly get is a supporting role so to put someone like Tommy with Down's Syndrome on stage as Hamlet, one of the highest profile roles in the whole of world literature, is extremely exciting.

"Watching it is like seeing a miracle, knowing what the prognosis is for people when they're born with Down's Syndrome and how so little is expected of them," she added.

"Shakespeare speaks to us all. I believe this will be extremely thought-provoking, powerful and utterly moving and we will all, cast and audiences, gain something wonderful from this production," said Jane.

The actors at Blue Apple Theatre have a range of disabilities, such as autism, including Asperger Syndrome, Down's Syndrome and behavioural difficulties. The discipline, challenge and excitement of learning lines, rehearsing and putting on a play helps them to develop new skills and increase their self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Blue Apple's Hamlet has been adapted by scriptwriter and film-maker William Jessop, 29, who has shortened the 210-minute play to just 70 minutes, without losing the key elements of the drama.

He said: "I've kept Shakespeare's original language, so the key challenge has been to work closely with each actor to make sure they understand and own everything they're saying and make each part their own."

Tommy, 27, who has featured in Casualty, Holby City and in afternoon plays on BBC Radio 4, said that Hamlet was his most difficult role to date.

"Learning the lines has been challenging, as Hamlet's in almost every other scene, and there's a range of emotions to put across. There's a bit of sadness, a bit of happiness and a bit of anger," he added.

To book tickets, phone the Minack on 01736 810181 or visit http://www.minack.com/