Theater Delphin
Creators: name: Weber, Gabriele
Publisher: name: DARIAH-DE
Year: 2023
Subjects: Austria
Theatre Group
Vienna

description: The essence of Theater Delphin lies in its strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community, a factor that contributes to the creation of truly distinctive performances by an equally extraordinary company. Each component—whether it's the plays, the actors, or the audience—holds a distinct significance, serving to combat bias by highlighting individual uniqueness. This mission is carried out through the involvement of actors with disabilities. The theater catalyzes encounters devoid of prejudice and facilitates personal cultural growth. It's driven by the aspiration to establish a lasting presence of inclusive artistic productions.
Established in 1998 by Gabriele Weber, the mother of a son with mental and physical disabilities, Theater Delphin emerged from her recognition of her son's affinity for music and dance. This realization led her to pen the play "Nico, the little blue Dolphin." Witnessing the empowering impact of theater on her son, coupled with his innate talent, sparked the inception of Theater Delphin. Collaborating with other actors and educators, the concept evolved: acting became a medium for immersive and uninhibited interactions between individuals with and without disabilities, and the shared experiences formed the cornerstone of the company.
Originally conceived as a leisure pursuit, the drama project progressively transitioned into a professional endeavor.
Devotedly committed to their craft, Gabriele Weber and her partner Georg Wagner invest their passion and dedication into the theater, placing utmost importance on supporting their artists and providing them with novel opportunities. Beyond their meticulous pedagogical efforts, which are closely aligned with the artists' needs, the significance of the messages conveyed through public performances has grown significantly. The company aims to garner visibility and foster awareness for inclusion.

Presently, the theater has evolved from a realm of "amateurs" to a platform that stages professional productions. A team comprising 10 to 15 individuals ensures that each participant receives tailored guidance and stimulation. The plays are meticulously crafted through weekly endeavors, culminating in their staged performances. This involves a diverse range of methodologies and approaches within theater pedagogy, encompassing rhythm, improvisational theater, physical theater, spoken theater, singing, phonetics, and more. These techniques are thoughtfully adapted to the artistic process and the individual artist. Through this approach, each participant gains a multitude of competencies that enrich their personal growth, interpersonal interactions, and scene production. 
The core mission of Theater Delphin revolves around actively challenging and dispelling societal stereotypes. Simultaneously, the theater strives to reinforce the acceptance of "inclusive" theater and cultivate a sense of collaboration, while also diminishing apprehension about interaction. In this pursuit, the avoidance of invoking pity is paramount: Theater Delphin directs its focus not toward the disabilities of their artists, but rather on their inherent talents. The company believes that even if an individual faces limitations in certain areas, or perhaps particularly due to these challenges, they possess the potential to excel in other dimensions. These latent abilities, often referred to as "sleeping talents," are what the company seeks to showcase on stage and celebrate through its artistic endeavors.