IETM Workshop Budapest: "What is Roma theater worth today?"

This Blog Post is made in the frame of "Roma Heroes - Workshop on European Roma Theater", one of the 24 selected projects of Local Journeys for Chanage 2022.

Roma theaters from many European countries will issue a joint declaration on 5 May 2022 at the 5th Roma Heroes International Roma Theater Festival on a number of issues that determine their existence and operation. What goals should be set for Roma theater companies, and what can be realistically achieved? How can theater writers and creators reinforce Roma theaters? What is Roma theater worth today?

At all, what is Roma theater? What kind of history does it have? Who are its contemporary representatives? What issues and dilemmas arise in connection with majority culture and Roma self-representation? Why is it important to talk about it? Why is it crucial to create a collection of Roma theater and drama? What can we, with the means of art and publicity, do to achieve an inclusive society?

Independent Theater Hungary has been a member of the IETM - International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts since 2021, with their support we have the possibility to organize this workshop starting at 5:30 pm on April 28 at the Goethe Institute in Budapest, Hungary.

We believe that not only the European GRT (Gypsy Roma Traveler) communities, but also members of the majority society and representatives of the majority culture will be enriched by learning about the works of the various theater performers and the heroes they present, and through a common dialogue.

Workshop leaders:

● Balogh Rodrigó, director and producer of the Independent Theater Hungary

● Márton Illés, playwright, operational director of the Independent Theater Hungary 

● Noémi Herczog, theater critic, university professor

Topics of the workshop:

● Roma theater and drama history in a nutshell

● Learn about the content of the upcoming Roma Heroes - Digital Collection of European Drama and Theater (open for the public from 5 May 2022)

● Moderated discussion on the nature of the Roma theater, representation and the reception of the Roma theater

● Open, interactive conversation

Independent Theater Hungary:

Our theater has been working since 2007 to create works of art that respond to societal challenges. Our goal is to start a conversation about social issues that affect us all, thereby drawing attention to personal responsibility: what we as individuals can do to improve the situation. Our mission is to educate and support disadvantaged young people to become successful professionals and active citizens. To this end, we are working on innovative, people-centered arts initiatives that respond to social issues and involve disadvantaged people. We are Roma and non-Roma artists and educators working with the means of theater, non-formal education and communication for an inclusive society. This project is part of the IETM Local Journeys for Change activity which is supported by the European Union as part of the IETM Network Grant 2022-2024 NIPA: the New International in the Performing Arts.