12.02.2026

“Behind the Screen” returned with its first rerun in 2026 in Vushtrri, at the “Eqrem Çabej” High School. It brings to the stage realities relevant to young people’s lives, reflecting on how communication and relationships often take a different direction in digital spaces. The performance explores situations in which technology becomes part of everyday reactions—sometimes without fully considering the consequences these actions may have on others.

Through its storyline and characters, the play also addresses the tendency to use online spaces as a way to gain dominance or assert power on others. In this context, it highlights a concerning phenomenon: the normalization of controlling women under the justification of “care” or “love.” An entrenched mentality intertwines with the digital reality, presenting control as a form of protection, while in fact creating limitations and silent pressure.

The open discussion that followed created a space for dialogue, where teachers and students shared their thoughts, questions, and perspectives on the issues addressed, reflecting on their relevance and on how violence, control, and digital pressure manifest in everyday life. In this way, “Behind the Screen” became not only an artistic experience, but also an important impetus for reflection and social awareness.

The performance conveyed a clear message from the students, during and after the performance: “Control and care are not the same thing, because violence is not love — it is a crime.” Another reflection from the audience emphasized the importance of addressing the topic in this way: “I think it was worth it, because there may have been students among us who had that kind of mentality and perhaps realized it was wrong. Sometimes you understand it better when you see the situation unfold from the audience than when you are part of it.”

The performance was organized by Artpolis, with the support of the Kosovo Women’s Network and the East West Management Institute.