The first European performing arts academy where all students, disabled and non-disabled, study together without barriers: it's L'arte nel cuore, a dream that became reality and has now made it to the big screen with the film Detective per caso.
Not a sheltered haven in which to confine disability, but a place where the talent and artistic qualities of differently abled and non-disabled young people can be given shape. Together. Without architectural, cultural or mental barriers. This is the dream realised by Daniela Alleruzzo with the association L'arte nel Cuore, with which in 2005 she founded, in Rome, the first European performing arts academy capable of offering artistic training programmes (directing, acting, singing, etc.) aimed at children and young people with or without disabilities. A project that two years ago also reached Milan, with a branch hosted by a municipal facility while it awaits a permanent home of its own.
Recognised as a higher education institution by the Lazio Region, the academy complements traditional study paths, with afternoon classes and the aim of providing solid training for those who dream of a future in the world of entertainment. Proof that all of this is possible is the film Detective per caso, starring some of the academy's disabled actors alongside celebrated professionals such as Claudia Gerini, Massimiliano Bruno, Paola Cortellesi and many others. All together for a truly one-of-a-kind debut film conceived to break down the barriers of difference in the world of entertainment.
"Disability has been an important key in my life," recounts president Alleruzzo, "within our family we had two cases, and when my little nephew passed away, a journey of faith began for me, during which I had a moment of enlightenment: I had to do something beautiful for these young people. But I didn't want to create a sheltered haven, like the ones that already existed. I wanted to bring to life a structure where all people with talent, both disabled and non-disabled, could train in the performing arts disciplines."
And so in October 2005 the association opened its doors, inaugurating the first European academy capable of giving everyone the opportunity to study acting, directing, dance, dubbing, music, singing, screenwriting, but also hair and make-up, set design, photography and costume, through genuine integration among students. A choice that enriches everyone: "Non-disabled students also find added value here, because it is only by sharing a passion that barriers are truly broken down," recounts Alleruzzo.
It is no coincidence that Alleruzzo's dream of creating something beautiful for young people with disabilities had "art at its heart" from the very beginning. And not only to fill a gap in the range of services for disabled people who possess artistic gifts, but also because art in itself constitutes, "like sport, a natural therapy for everyone, which helps to dissolve fears and insecurities." A perfect combination, then, that of disability and art, with which the association's president has brought together her greatest passions: "Who didn't love singing or acting as a child? Like everyone else, I have always had a passion for art. I loved dancing and then I attended a directing course. With this dream I brought everything together."
The inclusive ethos at the heart of the academy should not be mistaken for a superficial approach, Alleruzzo explains: "At the start of the year there are auditions, which are used to understand what kind of difficulties the students have and therefore suggest the right training path for them. At the academy you study a great deal and not everyone would be able to cope with it. For this reason, and so as not to exclude anyone, we introduced the school courses, designed for those with greater difficulties, but of a high standard nonetheless. L'arte nel Cuore, in short, is not a waiting room but a place of study."
Further proof of this is the participation of many non-disabled students (around 20 per cent of the total) who, in a city like Rome, so rich in options, choose to enrol here. "Many fall in love with the programme after seeing one of our shows or through word of mouth," Alleruzzo explains. A fundamental role is played by the teachers, because "the level and professionalism of our teaching staff are high," says the president, who is keen to point out that the method used by the professors — who also work at other institutions — is the same one adopted at the academy. With one added dimension. "Working here gives you a different outlook on life: the small things fade into the background and for the teachers too it becomes an important journey on a human level."
"The moment had come to send an important message: where there is talent, there are no barriers," Alleruzzo explains, speaking about Detective per caso, a detective comedy she conceived and which was distributed in cinemas by Medusa on 18 and 19 March. "I wanted to make a film with disabled actors that did not deal with disability, to show that young people with Down syndrome or with a learning difficulty can also become true professionals."
The warm reception from audiences proved her right. "The response was exceptional," she says. "In just two days, with 120 prints, we were among the ten most-watched films in Italy." The film is carried on the shoulders of Emanuela Annini (25 years old), a student at the academy for eight years, who here plays Giulia, a young woman passionate about detection, who finds herself having to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her cousin Piero (Alessandro Tiberi). Many stars of Italian cinema enthusiastically embraced the project, finding themselves for once in supporting roles alongside actors with disabilities. A role reversal of groundbreaking cultural significance.
"Claudia Gerini's solidarity was exceptional. She really gave a great deal for this film," Alleruzzo stresses, "but all the others too put themselves at the service of this unique project — they were absolutely delighted to take part, and above all they witnessed the talent of our students first-hand. When we were on set, everyone was complimenting me on the level of preparation they had."
For anyone who missed it in cinemas, the appointment with Detective per caso may soon come to the small screen. "We hope it will go on television and we're working towards that," concludes Alleruzzo, who in the meantime continues the academy's work as usual. "On 26 June we'll be at the Teatro Olimpico in Rome with A qualcuno piace rock, a remake of Some Like It Hot (the celebrated 1959 film), while in October we'll be on tour throughout Italy with Lo scarfalietto".