USTAWKA/The Match/ is a joined project of 21 Theatre (Teatr 21) from Warsaw and Parostki Theatre from Kiev. The project consisted of two events. An installation made of saved factory neons supplemented by an audiovisual projections (by Stefan Kornacki) was the first event whereas a performance of the actors from both theatres, who suffer from Down syndrome, was the other one. The Match was created in the light of EURO 2012. During EURO 2012 events it was possible to watch the Match in Kiev. The participation of the actors with Down syndrome is not accidental. Those are people who are incredibly open, friendly and have a peaceful attitude towards the world. People with Down syndrome do not understand neither accept aggression. Moreover, they express eagerly their faith in fair play sport and a tolerant world.
The actors reacted very spontaneously for the invitation to participate in the project. “Aggression is impolite”- they claim. One should live in society and not fight. Kiev streets were the stage for them. Their performance was planned as demonstrations promoting tolerance and other values which are underlying the concept of sport. Casual residents of Kiev as well as some tourists formed the audience of this work. EURO 2012 formed a perfect context to demonstrate the attitude of the disabled, which reflects the most important ideas underlying both the concept of sport and democracy. It is especially crucial in the times of the triumph of violence on football stadiums. This theatre action was intended to make the audience aware that EURO 2012 and other important events comprise events that are not only for the healthy part of society. Disabled persons have equal rights to comment on them and to have their own emotional affiliations in this regard.
