Theatre From the Streets

creating conversations across borders that make a difference

“It's interesting how artists can devalue their own impact, but the people in power actually NEVER underestimate the impact that art can have. This is why art almost always comes under intense pressure and scrutiny the minute you have oppression in the air.”

—Madhavi Menom, Moderator, Session 9, India

THEATRE FROM THE STREETS (TFTS) provides a virtual platform for artists and activists to connect across borders and to use the medium of theatre to bring authentic stories of average citizens to a wider audience. While we recognize that there is unprecedented violence and inhumanity around the world, TFTS is specifically focused on countries and regions experiencing increased authoritarianism and loss of civil rights. The program is intended to circumvent biased political and media narratives, and bring to light the realities for ordinary people "on the ground" trying to live their lives and care for their families.

In sharing a series of short theatrical pieces from selected areas with a global audience, our hope is to create a groundswell of enlightened and engaged citizens ready to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. THE PLATFORM ALSO PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THEATRE ARTISTS WORKING IN THESE LOCATIONS AND CONNECTS THEM TO THEIR PEERS ELSEWHERE. Moderators for performance events–drawn from theatre and cultural scholars, political scientists, and elected officials–put the theatrical work in context for the invited audience, which includes global theatre practitioners, educators, cultural leaders and activists.

TFTS SEEKS TO CHANGE THOSE NARRATIVES WITH THEATRE PIECES FOCUSING ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

CORRECTING THE RECORD: combating narratives that have been promoted by the oppressors through political mechanisms and the media
A DAY IN THE LIFE: revealing the reality of the ways in which victims of oppression and marginalized populations are forced to navigate their daily existence
WHAT WILL IT TAKE?: offering a vision that speaks to a collective humanity engaged in making a difference

Round 1 of TFTS took place August 1-October 17, 2021 with a pilot project in three regions: India, Palestine/Lebanon and Venezuela. Round 2 took place from October 16-December 18, 2022 in The Philippines and Hungary.

In each region, local theatre artists presented 3-5-minute pieces that highlight the true impact of State oppression. From the collapse of civic infrastructure and economic devastation to the dangers of dissent and limited avenues of escape or redress, these works made it clear that the lived experience of suppressed peoples across the economic, ethnic and political spectrum rarely make the headlines, and when they do, the narratives are skewed and simplistic.