Downistie

Last night I was enjoying some time with my family on the couch. Everybody was pursuing the regular Sunday-night conversation topics, including the summer break, some art and television. Normally the latter doesn't strike me as highly revolutionary until one of my brothers said that one of the big Dutch talk shows is going to feature a small drama series Downistie with people with the syndrome of down as actors.

The script is based on the conventional soap operas and thus features marriages, love, love affairs, friendship... you know the drill.
I must admit that I had to chuckle for a little bit when I first heard about this, instantaneously asking myself: is it okay to laugh about this? It felt pretty much like laughing at disabled people. But then it appeared to me that those actors probably said 'yes' because they're big appreciators of other soap operas and see this as a infinitesimal step closer to their personal heroes, which is beautiful in some way.

With some invoked curiosity I went on the internet this morning to watch the announcement that was broadcast last Friday. All six actors were present as was their producer, Jack Valkering. At first I was a little bit afraid that the main purpose of the show was to have a little fun with disabled people, but it turned out that the producer is a real honest guy that is - in my opinion - one of the best Dutch television makers around. I've seen him in some other shows where he interviews people that are making the most of to a more or less shitty situation and he's always very open and respectful. He said that his was his personal way of giving disabled people a chance to do what they liked.

I'm not sure how this is going to be picked up by my fellow Dutchmen; my family burst out in laughter, especially upon hearing that one married character cheats on his marriage with his secretary.
The intention of the show is good though, and as long as those actors are enjoying themselves I think there's nothing to complain about.