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Why do we need Roma theatre? Mihaela Dragan in conversation


The Romanian actress founded her own company, Giuvlipen. The name is a neology and refers to feminism. The members of the company are professional Roma actresses who, in their plays, confront the Roma and non-Roma audience with important but often sensitive issues. The show Del Duma - She Speaks, performed at the festival, discussed the topic of early marriage, whereas other plays focus on homosexuality or Roma slavery. She thinks it is vital to move on from the current situation – there are only three state founded, permanent Roma theatres in Europe: in Russia, in Ukraine and in Slovakia. In the rest of the continent, Roma artists must work without significant stable financial background. We, finally, have to occupy our place in the cultural sphere – Mihaela believes.


The interview series were made with the help of the students of CEU: Ignácz Judit, Sadie Luetmer és Mayya Kelova, Frederik Ørskov; and the professional supervision of Jeremy Braverman. The videos were edited by Márton Illés and Dénes Fellegi.

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