26.07.2023

The conference “Theatre as a Tool for Social Change” took place on July 26, 2023, at the premises of Shani Efendi’s House, as part of the “PrizrenFest” Outdoor Theater Festival. Experienced artists of different ages participated to share their experiences related to the conference theme, making it relatable and engaging for the attendees. About twenty people attended the conference, creating an intimate and pleasant atmosphere that allowed for the sharing of sensitive memories.

The main objective of the conference was to gather the experiences of panelists and guests regarding the impact of theater as a medium in Kosovar society. The event was moderated by Zana Hoxha, director of Artpolis, who began by presenting the topic and introducing the panel guests: Meli Qena, Fatos Berisha, Albulena Kryeziu-Bokshi, Agon Miftari, Qendresa Kajtazi, Blerta Gubetini, and Aurela Kadriu.

During the conference, there were discussions about the events from the 90s at the Dodona theater, where audiences eagerly came to watch Albanian performances. Despite being located in a poor neighborhood of Pristina, the theater became a favorite place for the city’s most problematic individuals because of its inclusive and accepting nature.

Another topic of discussion was the theater in the camps during the war in Kosovo in 1999, and the challenges faced in post-war times to maintain a public audience. The conference also addressed the current challenges in which performances must address social phenomena and offer potential solutions. One of the key takeaways from the conference was the importance of stage artists coming together more frequently to remember the past, which will strengthen the foundation of Kosovar theater and pave the way for its future development, ensuring its survival for centuries to come.

#artpolis #Prizrenfest