unmasc

September 26 & 27, 2024

Artpolis, in cooperation with the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, KulturHaus Brotfabrik from Austria and Kulturanova from Serbia, with the support of the European Union, organized the artistic workshop “Art, Activism and Equality: Bridging Gender Equality and Peacebuilding” in Pristina, during the FemArt Festival, 13^th edition.

The workshop aimed to challenge gender stereotypes, address human rights issues and promote peace building in the region. This was achieved through a methodology that involved gathering qualitative data in the form of ‘counter-narratives’ and personal stories. Based on the collected stories and collaboration during the workshop, the creation of a theatrical performance was initiated.

During the workshop, the participants’ skills to write short texts were also developed.

The workshop was directed and facilitated by two artists, Shpëtim Selmani, actor, playwright, writer and Attila Antal, theater and film director, composer and theater researcher.

Up to 25 young men and women, boys and girls with different profiles, over the age of 18 participated in the artistic workshop. Albanian-Serbian-Albanian translation was provided throughout the workshop.

This workshop was organized by Artpolis – Art and Community Center within the FemArt Festival, in partnership with The Helsinki Committee for the Human Rights in Serbia, Kulturhaus Brotfabrik/Austria and Kulturanova/Serbia, with the financial support of the European Union.

Collecting stories via interviews

In summer 2024 the project team kicked off the artistic research phase of UNMASC by starting to collect stories and experiences of various persons and experts. The partners were free to employ semi-structured interviews, narrative interviews, and/or focus groups. The selection of the method was based on the research question(s) the partners were interested to explore.

Different perspectives on gender justice and role expectations were collected from individual persons and experts. The most relevant parts of the interviews and focus groups were documented in order to use them further in the artistic process of UNMASC.

Exploring gender via theatre/performance workshops

In the next phase of the artistic research the partners facilitated theatre workshops. Different theatre professionals brought in their expertise on devised theatre, physical theatre, and participatory processes. The workshops were a vehicle to collect stories and experiences of individuals through different outputs in the workshop activities but also through observation and reporting on the workshops.

The workshops promoted and explored gender and sexuality, including:

• enhancement of the participants’ expressiveness,
• promoting empathy, and understanding,
• addressing social issues through theatrical exploration.

Through engaging activities and practical exercises, participants were empowered to express themselves authentically and contribute meaningfully to the theatrical process.

In the upcoming moths the partners are working on the production of performances inspired by the various perspectives collected via interviews and theatre workshops.

(c) Karin Gruber

(c) Karin Gruber

(c) Karin Gruber

Comment this post or dm us
This is a one of the question we raise within our project UNMASC and also we explore different gender realities and fight for gender justice through theatre.
Find out more on our web page (unmascproject.org)
Project is supported through Creative Europe and we do this with partners from Vienna @kulturhouse
and partners from Pristina @artpoliscenter

This is one of the questions we seek to answer within our UNMASC project.

We explore different gender realities and fight for gender justice through theatre.

Learn more about the project on our web page

Write to us about your experiences privately or in dm

This is one of the questions we seek to answer within our UNMASC project.

We explore different gender realities and fight for gender justice through theatre.
Learn more about project on our web page

Comment this post or dm us
This is a one of the question we raise within our project UNMASC and also we explore different gender realities and fight for gender justice through theatre.
Find out more on our web page (unmascproject.org)
Project is supported through Creative Europe and we do this with partners from Vienna @kulturhouse
and partners feom Pristina @artpoliscenter

How do cultural norms and traditions influence your understanding of gender and sexuality?
Do you feel that your cultural background provides a framework for understanding, or does it impose limitations on your identity and expression?
Are there aspects of your culture that challenge or reinforce stereotypes about gender and sexuality?
We want to hear your experiences and perspectives on how culture shapes your views and experiences.

As our understanding of identity continues to grow, this question becomes ever more relevant.
How do you confront and overcome the limitations imposed by traditional gender roles in a world that values diversity and self-expression?
Are societal expectations shaping your perception of gender, or do you feel empowered to define your identity beyond conventional norms?
We want to know how you navigate and challenge these stereotypes in your own life.
Whether you find yourself constrained or liberated by these societal constructs, your story matters to us.

In an era where definitions of identity and roles are evolving rapidly, this question is more pertinent than ever.
What does gender mean to you in a world that is increasingly embracing diversity and self-expression?
Do societal expectations confine you when it comes to gender?
Or do you perceive a freedom in expressing your identity beyond traditional labels and norms?
Whether you feel restricted or liberated, we want to hear your story.

In an era where gender identity and expressions are being understood in more nuanced and diverse ways, this question resonates deeply.
What does gender mean to you in a world that is increasingly embracing fluidity and self-definition?
Do you feel constrained by traditional gender roles and societal expectations?
Or do you find a liberating sense of freedom in exploring and defining your own identity beyond the binary norms?
Whether you are confident or still searching for answers, we want to hear your story.