Drama classes for Maya Indians, Guatemala, 2000 Euro 

After years of repression and numerous mass murders of the indigenous population, forcing many intellectuals and artists to leave the country, a relative peace has returned to Guatemala following the signing of peace accords. The more stable situation will now enable cultural facilities to be rebuilt.

The cultural heritage of the indigenous Indian Maya population is playing an important role in this. The dance drama Rabinal Achi' is the only piece of Maya theatre that was spared from destruction by the Spanish and that can therefore still be performed. The Rabinal Achi' was recently declared a world heritage by UNESCO. 
TIMACH, a foundation which was co-founded by the Dutchman Fons Eickholt (a drama teacher, at the Art College in Utrecht) has, for several years, set up projects for young people aimed at the emancipation of the indigenous population in Guatemala. This organization is now responding to UNESCO's declaration with a project which provides drama tuition to young people with a view to giving performances of the Rabinal Achi' throughout the country. This would enable the (Maya) population to get to know this unique work and would stimulate the cultural awareness of this much discriminated group. 

The first part of the plan is as follows: a group of Maya youngsters (between 18 and 28) is given drama classes, a trial performance is created in 2006, and a definite performance is prepared for 2007. 
After this first phase, funds will be sought for performances throughout the country for a wide public. The performances will be held in two languages (Spanish and Kí-chè), to get the illiterate indigenous audience, in particular, acquainted with their rich past. In addition, the students can use their training, for example, to pass on what they have learnt to pupils of schools in isolated areas. 

The total amount needed for the first phase (the training and a trial performance) is €13,604. After donations from the development bank Banco Internacional de Desarollo and contributions from the initiating organization, there is still a shortfall of € 2,000=. 
Moments of Joy would like to donate 2,000 Euro to this remarkable project. 

Total € 2000,-- 

adopted by the general fund of Moments of Joy

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