INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL OF FREEDOM

Divadlo Láska Theatre and Koridor UA organize, as the name suggests, a theatre festival against war and oppression. We want the festival to be a brief oasis of happiness and hope that only theatre artists can create. The festival is not primarily political, but the theme of individual responsibility in the face of events that affect the whole society,

such as war, will inevitably be present. The guest performances have been selected with this theme in mind.

Ukrainian theatres look at this theme through a Ukrainian lens. They return to

fundamental works of Ukrainian culture to show that Ukrainian culture can’t be defeated militarily (Ivano-Frankivsk National Drama Theatre), they thematize specific

events of the war and give them historical connotations (Mariupol Academic Theatre)

or deploy popular, entertaining titles to relieve the everyday stress for adults (Transcarpathian Academic Music & Drama Theatre) and children (Transcarpathian Academic Regional Puppet Theatre).

Czech theatres continue this line by cooperating with Ukrainian actresses and

drawing attention to the exploitation of their status as war refugees and as women (Divadlo Láska Theatre), and speak about the relationship of society to refugees in general (Now, Inhale and Fly), explore the changing cultural and political interpretation of our history (Jan Mocek) or reflect on atomic energy, which is related to war as a possible solution to energy crisis and as a nuclear threat (Bazmek Entertainment). The dangers of techno-optimistic approach to solving contemporary environmental problems are also thematised by guests from Italy (Teatro Asterlizze).

The theatre programme will take place in the spaces of the Transcarpathian Regional Academic Drama Theatre and Transcarpatian Academic Regional Puppet Theatre in Uzhhorod. The musical programme will take place at the square next to the puppet theatre and at the local club.

Koridor UA has established contacts with Ukrainian institutions and theatres. It takes care of transport and accommodation for visiting artists. Divadlo Láska Theatre is responsible for the concept and dramaturgy of the festival, especially for the theatre part, and for communication with the guest artists.