By Samantha McLaughlan | Fundraising and Marketing Manager
Thouen grew up in rural Cambodia constantly told he was only good enough to go to the field tending to the buffalo and that's what he would do for the rest of his life.
As a man with Cerebral Palsy he often felt a lack of respect and was regularly discriminated against. Thouen found it difficult to communicate with people and developed friendships with the buffalo he looked after.
In 2015 Thouen joined our Inclusive Arts Course (IAC). He did not talk for the first six months, but due to encouragement and acceptance from fellow classmates began to communicate.
Thouen started to feel happy that people could understand him, felt cared for and enjoyed having a community around him.
Graduating from IAC in 2017 Thouen had a dream of becoming a professional dancer. He subsequently joined Epic Arts Dance and soon became the star of a new performance 'Buffalo Boy', which was inspired by his life growing up in rural Cambodia.
Buffalo Boy tells the story of Thouen as he leaves his home where he struggles to be understood and heads in search of a place where he can express himself.
A story which explores barriers in communication, articulation and what it truly means to be heard.
Thouen still performs with Epic Arts Dance and has toured around Cambodia and internationally with Buffalo Boy and other dance performances. He is an accomplished professional dancer, confident in his skills and ability and happy to be part of a team making a difference, advocating for disability and inspiring global audiences.
By Samantha McLaughlan | Fundraising and Marketing Manager
By Samantha McLaughlan | Fundraising and Marketing Manager
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