First Mile; Kid's Smile
You might hear the story of Don Quixote before and have your own interpretation. A group of people in
The dream starts from chats among middle-age artists and writers. While the whole society is in fever of politics and talk shows, they simply want to devote their time and make a difference by their actions. They see the urban-rural divide in particular among children. Given the lack of facility and financial add in rural areas, many children there rarely have a chance to see various art plays. Also there are many parents who can’t afford to provide such opportunities to their next generation. As Daniel H. Pink wrote about six senses in his book, A Whole New Mind, “Design”, “Story”, “Symphony”, “Empathy”, “Play”, and “Meaning” are keys toward “Conceptual Age”. These founders decide to walk the first mile with kids and perform their plays in every single town in
These Don Quixotes wish to inspire and give fair opportunities to children in
Despite of challenges in funding, they prefer fund raised from the public instead of the government. “Involvement from the public is more meaningful than the financial support is”, written at the 319 project’s website. The Paper Windmill Theatre, where these dreamers are mainly from, is dedicated to this ambitious but tough task.
The project began since December 24, 2006 and went to over 130 townships and cities already. The number still keeps increasing. Each showing costs around NT$ 350,000, which is very tight to make it work. From logistics perspective, the amount is almost “mission impossible”. Luckily, their dedication also motivates and mobilizes more people in
A little stream will gather others’ strength together and become a great river eventually towards the vast ocean. The project is still on going, and you may see those great plays around your neighborhood. Go there and see them. You will see the difference they are making!
Source:
Project 319 website: http://www.319kidsmile.org/;http://www.wretch.cc/blog/kidsmile
319 photo gallery: http://www.wretch.cc/blog/haomei&category_id=7428047
Labels: 319, art, Don Quixote, Paper Windmill Theatre, Taiwan