> APHASIA
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder caused by a brain damage that can affect the ability to speak and understand, as well as to read and write. Aphasia is most commonly caused by a stroke, but it can also result from a traumatic brain injury or a tumor. Having lost normal communication skills, an aphasic victim will often hide and isolate him or herself. This can also occur as a result of a reduced level of activity following rehabilitation.
> HISTORY
In 1992, the clinical application of dramatic arts as a means of rehabilitation and social and professional reintegration was first initiated at the Villa Medica Rehabilitation Hospital, with the support of l’Association Québécoise des Personnes Aphasiques (AQPA).
Anne-Marie Théroux, speech-language pathologist and theatre producer, had the idea of exploring different avenues of personal expression and development through the application of the performing arts.
> ORGANIZATION
Théâtre Aphasique is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of persons with aphasia, through the medium of the performing arts. All of the theatre participants have been diagnosed with aphasia.
The activities of Théâtre Aphasique have two main approaches:
• The creation and presentation of theatre productions to the general public
• The offering of drama workshops
Participation in the activities of Théâtre Aphasique is offered free of charge to persons with aphasia, who are residents of Montreal and its metropolitan region.
> MISSION
- Enhance the rehabilitation and the social reintegration of individuals with aphasia, through the application of drama workshops and theatre performance.
- Nourish and promote creative and artistic abilities in aphasic persons.
- Sensitize the general public to the challenges experienced by aphasic individuals, by theatre productions created and interpreted by these individuals.
- Tailor the approach of Théâtre Aphasique productions to fit various audiences.
TEAM
There are nine members on the Board of Trustees. At all times, four of these administrative positions are reserved for individuals with aphasia, or for individuals who are close to someone with aphasia.
- Roch Lafrance, President, comedian with aphasia
- Marthe Adam, Vice President, professor at l’École superieure de théâtre
- Jacques Laurendeau, Secretary, coordonnator at the Lucie-Bruneau Rehabilitation Center
- Claude Bussières, Trustee, spouse of a person with aphasia
- Daniel Courteau, Trustee, taxation lawyer
- Marie-Hélène Dufour, Trustee, social worker at the Villa Medica Rehabilitation Hospital
- Isabelle Rail, Trustee, comedian with aphasia
- Lise Saint-Jean, Trustee, comedian with aphasia
- Carole Anglade, Trustee, speech therapist at the Villa Medica Rehabilitation Hospital
- Isabelle Côté, Executive Director
- Richard Gaulin, Theatre Producer and Workshop Leader
- Carole Anglade, Workshop Leader and Consultant
- Anaelle Boyer Lacoste, animator
Photography by Pierre Labranche
