Theatre From the Streets: Round 1
Experience theatre from artists currently living under authoritarian rule
Round 1 of TFTS took place August 1-October 17, 2021 with a pilot project in three regions: Palestine/Lebanon, Venezuela and India. 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.
We are in the process of making the work from Round 1 accessible to theatre artists and educators, cultural leaders, philanthropists and elected officials, as well as a general audience around the world. Two mechanisms for dissemination are in progress: a textbook publication and a three part video compilation of excerpts from the pilot project recordings. More information on when these further projects will be released will be coming out soon so keep an eye out!
Round One programming will be released on NPTC's YouTube channel featuring excerpts of performances and conversations from the India, Palestine/Lebanon, and Venezuela sessions last year. Three episodes will center on the themes: “Authoritarianism is a Pandemic”, “Mothers and the Motherland” and “From the Streets to the World”. The videos will be available starting October 2nd.