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Description
The project proposal of the "Unseen Theater" Foundation is aimed at strengthening the social and economic development in the regions of districts of Sofia, Plovdiv, Yambol and Pazardzhik, by conducting a traveling tour of the innovative interdisciplinary Festival "Reality - Reality". The main focus of the Festival is the performance of the first theater in human history by blind people "Unseen Theater", defined as a "world cultural phenomenon". The troupe is unique in its character and unites blind actors who work in the field of visual performing arts (shadow theater, puppet theater, black box theater). The cultural program of the Festival also includes many cultural and artistic events of professional and local artists and troupes. The project introduces a new point of view on the topic of the place of roma in society, but as a cultural phenomenon. Through the music of the roma, a bridge is sought for understanding the two different psycho-emotional attitudes - the urban attitude of modern man and the roma perception of life. Another theme of the Festival is the relationship between two marginalized communities, such as the roma and people with disabilities (in this case, the blind) and their position in society. This is the introduction of new issues that give a new direction to work with marginalized communities - their interaction and cooperation. For the realization of the Festival the candidate will be supported by the Association "Youth Activities" Pazardzhik. The inclusion of the Norwegian theater troupe Haugen Productions as a project partner aims to enrich the cultural and artistic program of the Festival with a new, non-standard view of the interaction audience - artists to revive intercultural dialogue. The project envisages activities for exchange of experience with Norwegian artists in attracting new audiences and in adapting a unique model of cultural and social entrepreneurship aimed at disadvantaged people and ethnic minorities.
Summary of project results
The project “Life ''Reality – Reality'' is aimed at strengthening the social and economic development in the regions of districts of Sofia, Plovdiv, Yambol and Pazardzhik, by conducting a traveling tour of the innovative interdisciplinary Festival "Reality - Reality". The project introduces a new point of view on the topic of the place of Roma in society, but as a cultural phenomenon.
In the autumn of 2023, a two-day festival "Reality – Reality" took place in the villages of Aprilovo and Dolna Malina, organized as part of the project "Life ''Reality – Reality''. The theme of the performance is empathy in the contemporary world. It explores the meaning of caring about others'' problems and recognizing them as "our" common issues, the possibility to live together and support each other, even from a distance. The performance features actors from the Norwegian troupe Haugen Productions, blind actors from the "Invisible Theatre" troupe, students from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts "Krastyo Sarafov", as well as the popular musician and performer Petar Rangelyov. In addition to the performance, the festival program includes a culinary workshop, a performance by amateur actors, the "Cultural Kaleidoscope" forum, the "Cultural and Social Entrepreneurship" discussion module, and more.
The project created and held innovative cultural and artistic creative events (Festival) in the villages of Dolna Malina and Aprilovo, which improved access to culture for disadvantaged social groups. The events were characterised by a high degree of integrity and synthesis of different arts. The cultural and artistic events were unique in their nature with a social focus and experimenting with new spaces. The project included interpretations of traditional themes adapted to local specificities. It also provided opportunities for creative expression of professional and amateur artists in one event that unites different disciplines and artistic practices. A new cultural and social entrepreneurial model was promoted. The local communities were involved in the preparation and implementation of the events of the pilot edition of the tour in order to bring different communities together. Also, the innovative events produced under the project attracted the interest of an external audience to the villages hosting them.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership with the Norwegian troupe Haugen Productions was extremely successful and fruitfull on all levels, most of all creatively. The experts of the partner shared valuable cultural and artistic practices applied in Norway to attract new audiences, as well as insights on existing opportunities for access of different target groups to art and culture. The partner''s competence in cultural management and social messaging aimed at ethnic and cultural minorities in Norway was extremely usefull to attracting different audiences during the project.