29 April 2025
As part of the UNMASC! project, Kulturanova hosted an Open Lab Day—a unique opportunity for external participants to step inside the creative process, experience the artistic work in progress, and contribute valuable feedback.
In Novi Sad, the Open Lab Day took place immediately after the final rehearsal of the performance. Before the show began, the audience was informed about the Open Lab and invited to actively participate in the post-performance discussion.
After the 58-minute performance, the artists and director set the stage for dialogue by bringing out chairs and opening the floor to participants. Attendees were encouraged to share constructive opinions, ask questions, and connect the themes of the work to their own experiences. The conversation also touched on the methods used, the workshops that inspired the performance, and the importance of the project’s transnational character.
The event welcomed 23 participants—mostly young people—who learned about the Open Lab through Kulturanova’s social media channels, including Facebook posts, event listings, and Instagram updates.
A key observation among participants was the clear structural split of the performance into two distinct parts:
Part One – Physical theatre & group scenes: Seen as more abstract and stylized, this section divided opinion. Some viewers described it as “less accessible” or “like a filler,” feeling it lacked emotional anchoring. Others acknowledged its symbolic weight and artistic value, particularly in terms of movement and group dynamics.
Part Two – Personal monologues & letters: This section received unanimous praise for its intimacy, vulnerability, and emotional depth. The direct storytelling and raw audio recordings—complete with genuine emotional reactions—created a powerful bond between performers and audience. One participant remarked that it “elevated the experience to another level.”
Questions about authenticity were addressed directly by the artists, who explained the sensitive and careful creation process, including moments when performers read each other’s letters to protect emotional safety.
The Open Lab Day proved illuminating for both sides:
For artists, it was a chance to understand audience interpretations and gather constructive criticism—particularly suggestions to make the opening scenes clearer and more relatable for a general audience.
For participants, it offered an inside look into the project’s conception, rehearsal methods, and the deeply personal themes of UNMASC! They also learned about the project’s European network and ways to engage in future initiatives.
The Novi Sad Open Lab Day revealed a strong preference for the narrative-driven, emotionally honest second half of the performance. Audience members appreciated the courage and sincerity of the performers, and the feedback suggested that balancing abstract elements with personal storytelling could enhance future iterations.
This exchange reaffirmed the power of theatre not only as an art form but as a space for empathy, dialogue, and social reflection—values at the very heart of UNMASC!
