LARGER THAN LIFE

Theatre Company Creating Giant Puppet of Dart

Espa6nol

To Advertise
Call Us At
516-939-2253

To commemorate the extraordinary life of Justin Dart Jr., widely recognized as the “father of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” the Detroit-based Matrix Theatre Company is creating a giant street puppet in his likeness for use in demonstrations and parades. The ADA became law on July 26, 1990 through the efforts of trailblazers like Dart, and the puppet is planned to be ready in time to mark the 20th anniversary of the ADA. The Dart puppet will make its debut during the U.S. Social Forum, an event that will be held in Detroit June 22 to 26. This event brings people together to solve global and ecological crises. The puppet will also be featured in Chicago’s Disability Pride Parade July 24.

The Matrix Theatre Company uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community and foster social justice. It creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers and audiences of original theatre and has a tradition of calling for a united community effort to see their puppet projects to fruition. Once $7,500 is raised and the tribute is completed, the Dart puppet will join the Matrix puppet ranks of activists like Martin Luther King, Ceaser Chavez and Mother Jones.

“If the giant Justin Dart puppet is used to communicate his cry for everyone to ‘Lead the Revolution of Individual Empowerment’ particularly to youth with disabilities, it would be awesome and extremely meaningful and valuable,” said Yoshiko Dart, his wife.

The Justin Dart puppet presents a unique challenge for its designers to make a larger than- life functioning wheelchair to hold the puppet. The completed puppet will require at least three people to operate it.Donors can mail a check to Matrix Theatre Company. Matrix is seeking people to help make the puppet. For more information on the project and how to get involved, contact Ken Srdjak, Matrix Volunteer Coordinator, 313 967-0999.