Dates: 14 – 22 June 2015

Venue: Nicosia, Cyprus

Deadline for application: URGENT CALL!

Training course: Building bridges (in divided cities) – theatre as a tool for overcoming hate and prejudices will gather 24 youth activists from 12 countries in Nicosia, Cyprus to work on developing of theatre performance, by using the methodology of theatre of the oppressed, as a tool for tackling the hate speech, conflicts and human rights violations in (post)conflict countries involved in the process.

Objectives of the training:

  • To introduce participants to methodology of the Theatre of the Oppressed as tool for social change in communities
  • To develop performance on hate speech, human rights violations and conflicts by offering spect-actors to interfere and develop solutions for hate related situations

Why did we choose Nicosia?

Nicosia is a divided city since 1974 and a border line goes straight to the city centre. Buffer zone is protected by UN. Although the situation is much calmer, and people are commuting on daily basis from one side to the other, the division is still there. Both sides (Turkish and Cypriot) have refugees, displaced people from both sides, and both claim that the other part belongs to their side. This is one of the rare cities in Europe still divided.

The training will be held in Nicosia and the performance will be played there for the first time, if possible, in the buffer zone. The training will be held in June when Cyprus is already fled with tourists, but we would like to take advantage of this and get the both local and international intervention in our performance. Also, if possible, the play will be partially played in both sides of the border.

We are expecting that this Activity will develop capacities of youth activists involved/representing youth organizations or groups to work on fighting against hate speech as well as on human rights education by using different tools, such as theatre of the oppressed (including image theatre, rainbow of desire, forum theatre). Theatre can be a powerful tool when working with youth on different levels: local, national and/or international.

Theatre performance will be prepared based on the online survey results (the most common issues will be chosen to be tackled) and played for the first time in preparation for the Train of Tolerance Tour.

Performance will be based on personal stories, situations of hate, experienced by participants, which will give a new experience and skills to participants as results.

Activity 2: Train of Tolerance Tour

Dates: 01-11/10/2015

Venue: Balkan countries

Activity 4 will be the most important activity of the process as we will show our work and results to local communities and “leave” it to them to use them afterwards for resolving the hate speech situations or improving the intercultural dialogue with their neighbours. The idea of the activity is to show that all border and boundaries can be crossed and overcome, that we are not born with hate and that it is just a work of an uneducated and closed mind.

This activity will be promoting youth mobility. All young people in Europe should have opportunities for mobility, it is developing skills and competences and improving employability, but also it is broadening horizons and opening minds. As part of this Activity, we will organize a theatre performance tour through ex-YU countries.

Why do we want to tour?

The performance will be prepared by the young people coming from 12 (post)conflict countries, from different regions of Europe. The topics, scenes and problems tackled will be based on the results of the survey (Activity 2) but also common for all the regions (intolerance, discrimination, prejudice as well as other forms of hate speech). By organizing a performance in 5 different countries, we will be able to reach very wide audience on local level, to see different solutions offered to the same topics, reactions as well as discussions (which will follow after the performances).

Why did we choose Balkans (Ex-Yugoslavia)?

Yugoslavia was a huge country of many different nationalities and cultures living together for more than half a century. When the wars started and destroyed not only buildings, but human lives, families, hopes and dreams, the nationalism, xenophobia and hate towards others grew tremendously. Hate was spread everywhere: from political discussions to sport manifestations. It took over 20 years to reach the point where traveling will be possible again, communication as well as economic, cultural, educational and political cooperation in the end. However, the hate still exists as young people, who have never met their peers, hate each other, or at least have prejudices. When they meet, the story is different. Also, this is the only region that is so geographically connected but still far apart. Slovenia and Croatia are now EU countries, while others are still struggling with burdens of the past (such as war crimes or huge inter-ethnic intolerance) In a way, we want to make a point: it was easy to start the war, but it is difficult to bring peace.

Objectives:

  • To play the theatre performance in 5 different countries with same topics (5 plays in 11 days in total)
  • To tackle hate speech and violations of human rights and search for potential solutions together with local communities
  • To promote the idea of peace and conflict resolution around Balkans with 12 countries representatives participating in the performance

 

Financial aspects of the project:

Food and accommodation will be covered 100%.

Travel costs will be covered 70 % of a total price up to 275 EUR.

Profile of participants:

  • Youth leaders very motivated to act in their sending organization
  • Are over 18 years old
  • Have an interest in the topic
  • Willing to learn & motivated to share experience with others after the event
  • Are able to work in English
  • Are committed to attend for the full duration of the project

Please note that if you participate in the activity in Cyprus you will be expected to participate also on the activity 2, Train of Tolerance Tour in October 2015

 

 

NO PARTICIPATION FEE!

SENDING FEE (payable to CID for each of the 2 activities): 500 MKD

Apply here