Creating Safe Places (with Or Alterman-Barnea)

Or Alterman-Barnea, co-founder and CEO of Mekomot Shmurim (Safe Place), discusses how she transformed theatrical experiences for neurodivergent children. After her own son's autism diagnosis, Or created performances where the lights stay on, sounds remain gentle, and children can move freely without judgment—revolutionizing cultural accessibility across Israel.

Key Topics:

• The concept of "relaxed performances" designed for neurodivergent audiences
• Creating theater experiences without surprises or sensory overload
• The power of community in addressing unmet needs
• Or's journey from cultural journalist to inclusive theater pioneer
• The philosophy of adapting systems to people instead of forcing people to adapt

Notable Quotes:

• "When we started it and thought about 'safe place,' we didn't imagine what kind of meaning 'safe place' would have for us now."
• "Every single spoiler that you can think of. There are no surprises."
• "It's like we call it a 'shoosh-free zone.' Nobody will shoosh them."
• "Many, many families came and said to us, 'This is our first time in the theater.' And we're talking about seven-year-old children, nine-year-old children."
• "We're so used to telling this child, 'Listen, if you can't sit then go out'... But no, we will leave the door open. It's on your terms now."

Or's Powerful Question: "When was the last time you thought about who makes the decisions for you? Who decides how people are supposed to dress, to act, to spend their free time, to sit in the theater?"

Resources Mentioned:

The 2025 Safe Place Festival is happening this month - details and tickets are here

Big Umbrella Festival (inspiration for Safe Places): Lincoln Center

Mama-Zone Facebook community (Or's previous initiative): Join here