Working to enable disabled children through the arts

25 January 2015 - 02:00 By Margaret Harris
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Playing the disabled character Kath gave Danieyella Rodin valuable insights
Playing the disabled character Kath gave Danieyella Rodin valuable insights
Image: ESA ALEXANDER

Danieyella Rodin is the arts and culture portfolio manager at the Chaeli Campaign, which aims to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. She tells Margaret Harris that her work with the non-profit organisation began as an actress in its production ‘In the Wings’

What do you do at work?

Most of my work goes into maintaining programmes and setting up new ones. This year, I'm arranging the Integrated Dance Project (a dance project that takes place at a school where able-bodied learners and disabled dancers collaborate on a dance show), the annual Arts and Poetry Call (making as many schools aware of this call as possible by distributing school info packs and posters, and curating these pieces as part of our festival in March), the Ability Festival (an Eastern Cape tour of two of our plays) and a Xhosa production later in the year (a translation of our production In the Wings).

In addition to this I also have to apply for further funding and begin developing different projects for this funding. All this is done with the Chaeli Campaign's broader advocacy aims of ability and inclusion in mind.

A lot of this work revolves around looking for the right people to take up positions in our projects - whether it is a director, actors or choreographers, it is important that every person is the right fit and is passionate about the work we do.

My work at the Chaeli Campaign is about setting up long-term relationships in the arts and culture sector and growing the conversation around disability within these spaces.

What is the Chaeli Campaign?

The Chaeli Campaign aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of children with disabilities by mobilising their minds and bodies through a range of programmes.

In addition, it runs a nationwide advocacy programme to promote awareness of and advancement for the disabled community.

It was founded 10 years ago by Chaeli Mycroft, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 11 months, her sister Erin and family friends Tarryn, Justine and Chelsea Terry (between the ages of six and 12) because Chaeli needed a motorised wheelchair. After raising R20000 in just seven weeks, the group decided to formalise the Chaeli Campaign to continue to help other children with disabilities .

What are your qualifications and how do they help you to do your job?

I have a BA in drama and philosophy from Rhodes University and an honour's degree in acting from the University of Cape Town.

Since my first position at the Chaeli Campaign was as an actress in In The Wings, my acting career is the lens through which I first began engaging with the notion of disability and the importance of inclusion and independence for children and adults with disabilities.

My life was enriched immeasurably by playing the character Kath, who may face physical challenges but who I learnt so much from with regard to courage and facing life with determination and spunk. It's this deep connection to and understanding of the character of Kath that sparked a connection with these interesting, complex issues.

What part of your job would you like to outsource?

Some of the running around, putting up posters, handing out school information packs and sending e-mails.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Being a part of, and driving, a dynamic team. Also, being involved in something that matters and that challenges society each day.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

Something creative - creative people are passionate problem- solvers by nature. All the positions I've held have afforded me this challenge and this luxury, without ever becoming mundane. The Chaeli Campaign is no different - it offers the chance to engage with important topics in a creative manner, and take this conversation into public spaces.

What is the Ability Festival?

It runs from March 4 to 7 at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg. There will be top-class theatre, dance and a great music lineup. The aim of the festival is to grow the conversation about disability/ability and inclusion in South Africa. It will provide a platform for disabled artists to showcase their talent.

What advice do you have for last year's matriculants in terms of making decisions about their careers?

Challenge yourselves and always be willing to learn - once the learning stops, you are fooling yourself into thinking you have arrived, which is dangerous.

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