How a theatre club gives young voices a platform and enables engagement with social structures.

Frieda’s partner organization Artpolis creates creative space for young voices throughout the country – in March of this year in Podujevë in northeastern Kosovo: A theatre club aims to use the transformative power of art to build a bridge between youth and social awareness.

Strengthening self-confidence through theatre

The 15 young women and men, most of them between 15 and 18 years old, are accompanied by two professional actors who guide them through a two-month training program in theater-based education. The stage thus becomes a tool for exploring reality, questioning norms, and fostering dialogue. From initial exercises to the development of a performance, the participants learn to listen, express themselves, and act. “Beyond acting, the club promotes essential life skills such as empathy, collaboration, self-confidence, and critical thinking,” says Berat Bajrami, Head of Cultural Programs at Artpolis.

As the participants of the Podujeva theatre club report, this was successful: “My self-confidence was strengthened,” says a young woman, and her colleague adds: “We were always able to speak freely and express ourselves freely.”

The young people present the piece “Reflection”. All images: courtesy of Artpolis

The format of the forum theatre performance further supports the process: This interactive form of theatre engages the audience by allowing them to actively shout “Stop!” during scenes of oppression, enter the stage, and take on the role of the oppressed person to explore alternative paths. In this way, theatre becomes a tool for social change. Berat Bajrami sees the theatre club as more than just a stage; he views it “as a place where young people don’t simply play roles, but begin to write their own stories.”

Innovative approach to raising awareness of SGBV

The theatre club is an existing offering in Artpolis’ repertoire and is regularly held at various locations. In Podujevë, it takes place in collaboration with the municipality, the Avdush Hasani Theatre, and local schools. Frieda’s partner organization, Artpolis, is known for its innovative use of art and culture and is actively committed to promoting and protecting human rights – including through artistic performances that raise awareness of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).