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Masterclass: Belarus Free Theatre

‘Artivism’

A black and white image of a theatre workshop with an instructor facing participants

This workshop will explore Belarus Free Theatre’s approach to using the arts for non-violent activism and social change and will give participants the tools to develop their own creative campaigns. 

What can I expect?

This workshop will combine practical activities with group discussion and debate. It will run from 10:30-13:45.

Participants will:

  • Be invited to explore the issues that matter to them.
  • Experiment with artistic methods of non-violent action to support advocacy and campaigns.
  • Learn how to transform their vision into action.

Participants will be asked to bring along an example of art activism that they have found inspiring and consider why it appeals to them and what was most effective about it. As part of this workshop will be practical, it is advised to wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily.

This workshop is suitable for beginner/early-career theatre-makers and artists with an interest in creative activism, aged 18+

Tickets
£35 plus booking fee (includes a complimentary ticket to the screening of Alone on Friday 10 December, 6:30pm)

Bursary
A limited number of free bursary places are available if you are unable to attend this event due to your financial circumstances. To apply for a bursary place, please contact [email protected]

Cancellation
Should you be unable to attend for any reason, you can exchange your purchased ticket for credit vouchers via the Barbican Box Office up to 24 hours before the Masterclass start time. Please contact the Barbican Box Office on 020 7638 8891 to arrange your exchange and have your booking reference number ready.

Belarus Free Theatre

Belarus Free Theatre is the only theatre company in Europe banned by its government on political grounds. Founded in Minsk in 2005, they emerged as a direct challenge to the absolute censorship of freedom of artistic expression in “Europe’s last dictatorship.”

In 2011, the company’s co-founding Artistic Directors, Natalia Kaliada and Nicolai Khalezin, were forced into exile, becoming political refugees in the UK. Since then, Belarus Free Theatre has worked across borders to create, campaign, and educate – building a movement for democracy, human rights, and artistic freedoms.

COVID Safety

We will be asking participants and facilitating artists to adhere to the following:

● Do not attend if you have COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19, cold or flu.

● Check in using the NHS Test and Trace app (though not compulsory, this is encouraged).

● Wear a mask whilst indoors, unless you’re medically exempt or where this presents issues around access, e.g., needing to communicate with someone who lip reads, for example (though not compulsory, this is encouraged).

● Please use the hand sanitiser available at all entrance points to the Barbican. There will be hand sanitiser available in the workshop space too.

● Please socially distance where possible and check with others before encroaching on their personal space.

● More information on Barbican’s COVID-19 safety measures can be found at this link: www.barbican.org.uk/your-visit/coronavirus-advice/covid-safety

Barbican Centre