Column by Andrada Maria Şimo-Mosk, artistic producer of youth projects from the parent organisation of the Theatre of Remembrance, Theater Na de Dam:

Many of today’s globally prevalent social problems are attributed to a breakdown of social ties, fragmentation of communication, and loss of sense of community. This disconnect between individuals is related to various social factors such as fear, distrust, and anger; factors reinforced by the complex process of imagining, categorising, and stereotyping realities. Mass media and political factors play a crucial role in this process. Eric Uslaner wrote in this regard that “people are more afraid of what they imagine than of what they experience.” Therefore, people’s assessment of whether or not they trust others is often strongly influenced by their perceptions and misconceptions of reality.

To overcome misconceptions and restore trust and connection between people, personal interaction and encounter can be employed—two indispensable factors within social artistic practices. Despite the difficulty in assessing the impact of these practices (at both micro and macro levels), they provide a progressive platform for strengthening social cohesion between individuals. Using various artistic and sociological methods, within social artistic practices, a sense of community is created, such as by embracing diversity, embodying otherness, and creating equal dialogue. Thus, social artistic practice reduces the disconnect between individuals.

At Theater Na the Dam, I regularly experience the creation of a sense of community within the frameworks of youth projects. For example, during meetings between eyewitnesses of WWII and the young people, when the young people empathise with “the other” during the performances and during the annual youth day where over 300 young people come together.

Since 2018, Theater Na de Dam has also been working across borders with young people to add meaning to the commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27. Under the name Theatre of Remembrance, over the next two years we will enter into a special collaboration with nine European partners in Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. We will expand the cooperation that was already there through more exchange and mutual inspiration. Together we will reflect on processing WWII within the different contexts of these countries, connecting remembrance to the here-and-now and recognising signs of undermining the rule of law and radicalisation, as there were in the 1930s.

The experience of recent years with this European cooperation shows that the sense of togetherness is present even in a digital setting, over large physical distances, and across borders. The online meetings and inspiration sessions were a melting pot of ideas and cultures. Language barriers among young people during online youth days are broken through music and movement, while personal stories and experiences are woven into a shared narrative. In this way, young people discover that their differences can actually be a source of strength and inspiration. They get to know each other in a deeper, meaningful way, beyond stereotypes and prejudices. Social skills such as empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect grow during the rehearsal process. Working together toward a common goal creates a sense of connection and mutual understanding each year. And precisely herein lies the power of the collective.

These socio-artistic practices demonstrate that art is a powerful tool for promoting social cohesion. Giving young people the opportunity to work together on an artistic project that focusses on personal encounters with older generations forges friendships and breaks down prejudices. It is just one example of how collaboration and creativity can build bridges and create a community where everyone feels seen and heard. Within these projects, we and the creators strive to ensure that young people not only have their voices heard but also experience a sense of belonging that will continue to inspire them long after the last scene has been played.