08.05.2026

On May 8, 2026, at the “Kuvendi i Lezhës” High School in Viti, the forum theatre performance “Behind the Screen” was presented, addressing the growing issues of online abuse, emotional control, bullying, and the oppression of women in digital spaces and everyday life.

Through the forum theatre method, the audience became an active part of the reflection and discussion alongside the characters, contributing to an open dialogue about the challenges young people face in the digital world. The atmosphere of the performance did not end when the stage lights faded — instead, it continued through the questions, reflections, and discussions among the students, who began to challenge perceptions surrounding love, control, emotional violence, and collective responsibility toward injustice.

“Behind the Screen” highlighted the impact that psychological violence and manipulation can have on young people, encouraging reflection on collective responsibility, empathy, and the importance of responding to injustice.

“Why do you think you need to have this kind of control over the person you love?” was the question raised by student Leonita Ademi, sparking discussion around the ideas of control and care. Meanwhile, Dafina (played by Qëndresa Kajtazi) shared an important message with the audience: “Pay attention to small behaviors or warning signs, because they often reveal much bigger things about a person. Even for the smallest problem, talk to a parent, a friend, or someone you trust.”

The performance featured actors Ismail Kasumi, Qendresa Kajtazi, Anisa Ismaili, Edlir Gashi, and Albana Gashi. The actors’ strong embodiment of their roles, especially during the discussions with the audience, encouraged students to reflect more deeply on the realities portrayed on stage. Through direct interaction with the characters, the audience not only gained a deeper understanding of the consequences of emotional control, manipulation, and psychological violence, but also recognized the importance of reaction, support, and awareness in confronting these phenomena.

Organized by Artpolis – Art and Community Center, with the support of the Kosovo Women’s Network and East-West Management Institute, the performance demonstrated how art, when used with purpose and awareness, can contribute to social change and raise awareness among young people.

In this sense, “Behind the Screen” remains a powerful call to look beyond the screen and understand the realities that are often hidden behind it.