Why We Do Theatre of Remembrance Across Europe
Why is a project like Theatre of Remembrance important at a European level? In this article from our artistic producer of youth projects, Andrada Maria Şimo-Mosk, she discusses why solidarity across borders is important and the moments of connection we see created through Theatre of Remembrance. We asked the same question to our partners in 9 different countries, why it matters and what is the impact of working with youngsters and elderly across Europe to remember WWII through theatre? Here’s what they had to say.
Nina Pompošová, from Post Bellum SK, in Bratislava
“Theatre of Remembrance on a European level is important to address the interconnected history of European nations, promote reconciliation and understanding across borders, and preserve collective memory. It provides a platform for reflecting on shared experiences such as wars and political divisions, ensuring a unified approach to learning from the past and fostering mutual respect.”
Rachel Hameleers, from The ACADEMY & Alte Feuerwache e.V., in Berlin
“For the youngsters it made this project more important, more magical to be part of something bigger.”
Nikolett Gabri, from STOP-KLATKA, in Warsaw
“Working on this project in different European countries can also give us (the producers and directors) important input, as we can share different best practices. The topic can be heavy and it can be challenging to find the right tools and methods to work with youngsters. So it is really helpful to share with the other creators. Also interesting to see what topics are chosen in the other countries, what is relevant to the youngsters of other projects and countries.”
Thea della Valle, from Fondazione Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani Onlus, in Turin
“I think that it makes the project more concrete. We are connected with everyone around the world, but maybe we don’t have such a strong idea that we have a shared past. This unifies us. I think that is important, this awareness about this shared past, that we went through that together. This project makes this awareness of connection more concrete.”
Markéta Kultová, from Paměť Národa/ Post Bellum CZ, in Prague
“I think it’s also important to network, for us, the partners, like we are doing with our meetings. To meet people in other places who are doing similar things to you, so you can get inspired and supported by one another. For this project but also other projects in the future.”
Evanthi Athanasiadi, from Teatr Brama, in Goleniów
“I think it’s also important because of the political situation in every country. Radical ruling and extreme opinions are rising everywhere. Also, some people don’t know this history and I think it’s important that they do. For us, this history is obvious, but for some, it isn’t. So we are constantly touching on this subject during this project. For example, the photographer we invited to the last performance thanked us after the photo session for teaching him about the history of his own home town. So even when it’s boring to repeat, I feel like we have to keep doing it.”
Francesca Savini, from Fondazione Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani Onlus, in Turin
“I think it’s a new perspective for the youngsters on history. When they are rehearsing and knowing that other groups throughout Europe are working on the same theme, it adds some perspective.”
Viola Kallós, from Itt és Most Tarsulat, in Budapest
“It is so important to zoom out. It is unique to see another context from time to time, because sometimes it can get claustrophobic, working in the same city or context. Meeting the other youngsters really motivated and engaged the youngsters when we did it 3 years ago. The youngsters need to see the international context.”