Inclusion and accessibility in the performing arts

liminal collaborates for the first time with the Kalamata International Dance Festival, coordinating a discussion on dance and disability. On Sunday, July 19 at 18:00, we invite you to the Foyer of the Kalamata Dance Megaron for the panel titled “Inclusion and accessibility in the performing arts”, where artists from Greece and abroad will share their experiences and highlight ways in which dance can become a space for equitable participation.

Poster for the discussion “Inclusion in the Performing Arts.” At the center, against a black background, two thick curved lines in yellow, resembling spray paint, form an abstract shape, possibly suggesting two circles at the top like owl’s eyes. At the top, in large yellow letters the text reads “Offstage Encounters. Inclusion in the Performing Arts.” At the bottom, the date, time, and venue are listed: “19.07, 18:00, Kalamata Dance Megaron,” followed by the logos of the collaborating organizations.

Bringing together diverse artistic practices and lived experiences, the panel opens a dialogue around representation, creative working conditions, and the possibilities for equal participation in dance, connecting perspectives and realities from Greece and Germany in this field.

The members of the panel

Participating from Greece are Venetsiana Kalampaliki, a dancer and choreographer based between Athens and Hamburg who works with inclusive and accessible practices; Irini Kourouvani, a dancer and performer with a physical disability; and Medie Megas, a dancer, choreographer and dramaturg with long-standing engagement in dance and disability.  

Participating from Germany are Dawn Jani Birley, a Deaf Canadian artist with extensive experience in physical theatre; and Lukas Malkowski, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) artist. They all appear in “Mercury Rising” by Jefta van Dinther, which will be presented at the Festival on 18 and 19 July.

The discussion will be moderated by Sahar Rahimi, director and Artistic Director of the Brecht Festival. Throughout her artistic career, she has collaborated extensively with inclusive ensembles, while her curatorial work at the Festival places particular emphasis on inclusion.

Language and Accessibility

👉 The discussion will be held in English. Headsets for simultaneous interpretation into Greek will be available for audience members who need them.

👉 During the discussion, Greek Sign Language interpretation will be provided.

Useful information

Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 18:00
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Location: Foyer of the Kalamata Dance Megaron (Artemidos 124, Kalamata)
Cost: Free

* The venue is accessible to wheelchair users and includes accessible toilet facilities.

The discussion is co-organised with the Goethe-Institut.

Logo of the Goethe-Institut in light green. On the left, there is an abstract circular motif, and on the right, the text reads “GOETHE INSTITUT.”

Accessibility Sponsor as part of the initiative “Culture for All”

The Alpha Bank logo: On a dark blue background appears the white imprint of the reverse side of the Aegina silver stater, one of the first coins of ancient Greece, featuring thick straight lines that intersect.

Coordinated by the cultural organisation liminal.

Logo of liminal in black. At the top, two parallel diagonal lines are depicted, with the name “liminal” written below.