Monday, December 06, 2021
‘We are in limbo’: banned Belarus theatre troupe forced into exile
Belarus | The Guardian: For 16 years, the Belarus Free Theatre has advocated for freedom of expression, equality and democracy through underground performances from ad hoc locations to audiences hungry for an alternative voice to the country’s repressive dictator, Alexander Lukashenko.
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One of my favorite things about being in Foundations 2 this semester has been learning about how people have used performance to make statements and grow awareness for societal issues and problematic governments and political figures. In my head however, these movements and troupes are a thing of history to learn about and admire. It's insane to me that in 2021 there is an exiled theatre troupe because of the content and statements about their leadership they're trying to make. After reading this article I'll be looking further into the Belarus Free Theatre and the current regime in Belarus. I share their anger that even now they have to flee their country with fear of being persecuted or tortured. You would think that the freedom to speak and comment on what is going on would be open to all by now. I also think it's incredibly brave that they decided to get artist visas rather than seeking asylum allowing them to continue producing their work. They've risked so much already for justice and continue to do so.
This article was so sad yet so powerful at the same time. Knowing that there is a country, in a continent like Europe, which is considered a pretty modern one at that, there is a struggle for free speech. Truly, I did not even anticipate that something like this was a possibility in a country which is a three hour flight from London. It seems so stupid to have to fight for a right such as freedom of speech in today's world but yet, here we are.
But despite this, the fact that there is a company out there which strives to stand for what is right and continues to produce work for that goal takes guts to accomplish. Clearly this would not have possible without the sacrifice of so many of its members who are now exiled because they are trying to stand up for the right thing. I hope that this group continues to get the support it so rightfully deserves and its fate changes.
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