24.04.2025

The play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, based on William Shakespeare’s classic, was brought to life by the young women of the Theater Club in Peja, on April 24, 2025, at Kino “Jusuf Gërvalla.”
Presented in a modern adaptation blending comedy, drama, and parody, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” boldly challenged the deeply ingrained societal norms imposed by the patriarchal system, with a particular focus on male dominance.

Through sharp humor and biting irony, the play portrayed violence, injustice, and the control exerted over women, offering a profound critique of a society still striving to preserve patriarchal structures. The women on stage were not portrayed as passive figures, but as active agents who confronted their broken realities and fought to reclaim their stolen freedom.
The performance called for deep reflection on the power of love and solidarity among women in confronting these challenges, while bravely opening a conversation about toxic masculinity, the exploitation of women, and the misuse of technology — especially platforms like TikTok — as tools of influence and control.

Following the performance, a dynamic discussion with the audience explored what happens when women take center stage and how such an act can transform into a form of resistance. For the more than 180 attendees, the play created space for open and critical dialogue about social dynamics and the evolving role of women.
The audience was invited to reflect on how society can change through the power of art, a narrative that underscored women’s strength and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was a call for awareness, using humor and parody as powerful weapons to challenge harsh realities. It expressed not only the resilience of women but also the desire to build a just society, free from control and violence.

The production featured Dea Mehmetaj, Elma Smaka, Erijona Dervishaj, Erjona Kurtaj, Erza Bërdynaj, Fiona Mehmetaj, Klea Emiri, Orgesa Haxhijaj, Rineta Morina, and Vesa Kastrati, under the mentorship of Fitore Broqi and Ismail Kasumi.

Dea Mehmetaj shared how the experience helped her overcome stress.

“I had a lot of emotions from the very beginning, but this experience helped me overcome them. Now, I can step on stage, and even if I make a mistake, as an actor, you have to find your way out of the situation. Not just in theater, but in life too — when you make a mistake, you shouldn’t stop; you should keep going and fix it,” said Mehmetaj, a participant in the Theater Club in Peja.

Erijona Dervishaj delivered a powerful message about the transformative role of theater and art, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility.

“What we did was not just for ourselves, but for others too. It’s different when you say something and when you live it and act it out. This is something truly powerful, and it must be dedicated to everyone,” said Dervishaj, participant in Theater Club in Peja.

This activity was organized by Artpolis in close collaboration with “Bedri Pejani” Gymnasium, supported by Frieda, the Ministry of Culture, Kino “Jusuf Gërvalla,” and the Municipality of Peja.