July 18, 2025
During the creation of the performance “Memories from the River – for my friend Mance”, Artpolis organized an Open Lab Day for external participants. This special event offered a behind-the-scenes look into the UNMASC! production process, giving participants the chance to experience selected scenes, hear directly from the creative team, and contribute valuable feedback to the work in progress.
The Open Lab Day in Prishtina was divided into three main parts: Performance of Key Scenes, Creative Insights from the Director/Dramaturge, Feedback & Exchange – Q&A Session
On July 18, 2025, professional and student artists, along with human rights activists, were invited to an intimate presentation of “Memories from the River – for my friend Mance”, written and directed by Zana Hoxha.
Performed by a cast of four, the piece is part of the broader UNMASC! project, which promotes gender justice through socially engaged theatre. Selected scenes introduced the characters Mance, Hana, Elsa, and Flamur, offering a glimpse into the emotional and thematic depth of the work—while preserving the element of surprise for the final premiere.
Zana Hoxha shared the deeply personal origins of the play, inspired by a childhood friend who faced marginalization for their nonconforming gender identity. She described the collaborative process—rooted in research, improvisation, and co-creation with the actors—and emphasized the importance of breaking theatrical conventions to create a space where audiences are not passive observers, but active participants in emotional and social reflection.
The discussion touched on topics such as: The meaning behind the name Mance and its link to self-determination; The symbolic physical distance between two main characters, representing societal and emotional barriers; The decision to use minimal scenography to focus on performance and narrative depth; Plans for international presentations with subtitled versions, etc.
The Open Lab Day gathered 10 carefully selected participants—professional artists, emerging talents, art students, and queer artists—aged 18 to 53. Their feedback went beyond technical analysis, engaging deeply with the play’s exploration of personal memory, toxic masculinity, gender relations, and gender-based violence.
Many participants expressed that the vulnerability shown by the creative team encouraged them to share their own stories. Several queer artists highlighted the importance of a feminist approach in confronting harmful gender norms and the stigma faced by marginalized communities. The process was described as both inspiring and empowering, offering a model for inclusive and transformative art-making.
Even members of the technical and supporting teams reflected on the liberating effect of the process, noting that sharing their own experiences reduced feelings of trauma and shame.
The Open Lab Day was seen as a successful and meaningful step in the development of the performance. Participants praised the ethical, collaborative, and research-driven approach, recognizing the play’s power to provoke empathy, dialogue, and reflection—core goals of the UNMASC! project.
By blending personal storytelling, artistic innovation, and social engagement, Memories from the River – for my friend Mance continues to grow as a powerful piece of theatre capable of inspiring change and healing.
