Documentary on Balkan teens’ theater plays for social change

“All the world’s a stage” ~William Shakespeare

This phrase is truer than ever for these Balkan teenagers. They are artists. They are leaders. They leave it all on the stage.

In 2001, Macedonia balanced on the verge of civil war and sharp divides still exists between ethnic Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, and Roma.  SFCG: Macedonia decided to empower youth to tackle these divides through theater. Sharing Common Culture: Balkan Theatre Networks for EU Integration was born.

In partnership with Centre for Drama Education from Mostar and the Student Cultural Center from Nish, the project held 63 performances of six new theater plays– two in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia.

Eighty-four youth, ages 15-19, headed everything from the creation of the concept and script; to the design of set and costumes; to the actual performances. The plays raised questions about cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, social and civic responsibility, and regional cooperation based on common cultural values.

Beside the in-country tours of the dramas, Search organized three regional out-of countries tours for the plays in Mostar, Kragujevac and in Skopje.

“There is so much intolerance for the diversity, for people who are “different” in the world today. This project made me realize we can at least change our attitudes, if not those of the others. All the rehearsals, performances, the touring enabled us to get some wonderful new friends and this makes me feel so happy, not to mention the new experiences I’ve got. The project made me a better person,” said a youth participant from Kragujevac.

Watch this documentary and fall in love with these bright young actors and actress as they embark on the road towards discovery.