The art of play

ome of the children were crying. One couldn’t speak. Another hit the boy next to him in the stomach. ‘Aargh my kidneys,’ the injured boy screamed. It was, by anyone’s standards, mayhem, and understandably everyone looking on was worried. This was no birthday party where the children were tired or strung out on e-numbers or a half-term camp. All the children here – aged four to 17 – were autistic and about to embark on their most ambitious project yet: starring in a play.

The Autism Project was the brainchild of Shaikha Shamsa Bint Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who, aware of figures that suggest one in 50 children in the UAE have the condition, wanted a way of reducing stigma, raising awareness and making people realise that with an early diagnosis autistic children can lead happy, fulfilling and independent lives. Step forward Abu Dhabi documentary film-makers, Image Nation, who decided to make a movie about 10 autistic children putting on a musical comedy.

The children had 12 weeks to stage the show, which was not only a resounding success but actually brought out their personalities, acting skills and boosted their confidence. The youngest child, Nikhil, who struggles to speak, forged a silent bond with his cast members, high-fiving them every day, while the oldest, 17-year-old Fathi, nurtured the younger ones, becoming their mentor. The resulting documentary As One will be shown at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, but the benefits for the children will last a lifetime. Read about the children and their families’ incredible journey on page 34. Enjoy the issue!