What do mothers mean to us? What do we learn from them and what is our favourite memory with our mother? They are the strongest, most persistent people who never give up, who we can always count on. The next story presents a mother, a hero who lives for her children. When I was a child, we rarely got any sweets. However, when mom went to the shop, we always looked forward to her return with great expectations. What will she bring us today? Lollypop? Melon-flavoured chewing gum? Or jellybeans? I remember, one day she drew a deep breath as she left to the shop. All we had was 500 HUF and she wanted to buy bread. I didn’t know how much 500 HUF was worth back in those days, but it must have been similar as it is today: not very much. When mom got home, she put down the bread on the table. She took out two lollipops from her pocket and gave them to us smilingly, then went to the kitchen to cook some potatoes. I remember, I was 6 years old when I first got a cake. It was a chocolate cake. We...

Who do we consider to be heroes and why? For their acts, their qualities, their courage or their clothing? Often when we talk about heroes, superheroes, doctors, firefighters or policemen come to our mind. This story shows the heroism of an ordinary person. My story goes back to when I was 18, and I lived in a condominium where a Russian lady, called Irina lived in the last flat. We were close to each other; her husband was even our distant relative. One day I noticed a lot of smoke coming from their flat. I ran to open the door and saw that their oven caught on fire and Irina was laying on the ground unconscious. I had to act immediately; there was no time to hesitate in that situation. I poured water on the oven, I dragged Irina out of the flat and called the firefighters, who came and put the fire out. It’s important to add, that in case of a disaster, if the flat had blown up, more residents could have got hurt. While on my way to the flat, I kept thinking that I had to act so that...

Does the origin determine future opportunities? What can be done for self-fulfillment? Martha Balážová wanted to be a singer from an early age. Through dedication and perseverance, she was able to achieve her dream. She sincerely talks about how many opportunities have opened up for her in a segregated Moravian territory thanks to her parents conscious decision. She also talks about what she considers important in today’s theatrical life.

Frantisek Balog is the only Roma actor in Slovakia so he has a great responsibility to represent Roma culture. The actor of the Košice State Theater talks about his acting career, his aims, his years in an orphanage and a Roma conservatory. We can find out why he couldn’t fully integrate into the Roma conservatory’s community. He mentions the start of his interest in Roma culture. It also becomes clear why the promotion of Roma theater is so important to him.

  What does trust mean to you? Who do you trust the most and why? Why do we need trust in everyday life at all? What makes someone seem trustworthy? Let’s think about this! I live in Transylvania, Romania. There are quite a few conflicts between different nationalities here. Injustice and prejudice is part of our everyday life and people are likely to look sideways at each other, mostly without any ground. It is difficult to overcome or set aside the entrenched feuds. People here are very colourful and diverse and they sometimes help, other times hinder each other. It did not come as a surprise that I was addressed in Romanian upon leaving the university building. I was only surprised that it was a young boy’s voice, he could not be older than six. He was alone, he wanted to contact his father as they lost each other. He asked for my help to call him on my phone. I readily gave the phone to him and he took a few steps back to dial. My friend, who was standing next to me, was sh...

  What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “hero”? Superheroes with superpowers and cool capes, busy saving New York? I like superhero movies a lot, too, but this story will be different. My hero is a bit closer to home, she comes from a small town, many might not even think she is a hero but she is definitely a hero for me. As a child, when people asked me who I looked up to, who I took as a role model, I immediately listed people in my close surrounding, parents, grandparents or my siblings. A few years went by and when I was asked today: “Who is your hero and why?” she came to my mind immediately, and her story, which explains why I consider her a hero. Judit has been one of my best friends for long years. We got to know each other in high school but we were not very close at first. It is our homeroom teacher I have to thank for our friendship because she told us to sit at the same school desk. We all know how pranks can bring young people toget...

If you had the opportunity to talk to your 15-year-old self, what would you say? What would you say thank you for? What would you warn her about? What qualities would you be proud of? What advice would you give to your younger self? Dear Kinga! I’m writing you this letter because today afternoon we have talked about heroes. I was asked who I consider to be a hero in my life and why. Immediately I wondered if I can be my own hero – why not? This letter is to my 15-year-old self, with lots of love. There are a few things that you don’t know yet (you are good at writing poetry, rollerblading is not for you, it was a great decision to dye your hair) but I do already. And to this very day there are a few things that I learn from you. I know that you like to be comfortable, too, there is something very warm and reassuring in being safe. But this is not enough for you, you leave your comfort zone again and again. You stand up for yourself, for other people, for your principles and truth, for ...

What is the first step in accepting ourselves? What challenges does a Roma actor have to face in theatre? Why is it important to be present in society? Among other things, Joschla Weiss actress shares her ideas on these questions. She speaks with heartfelt honesty about what the biggest challenges were in her life, how she managed to embrace her true self and how she became an actress. "I feel I have to go my way."

About Roma, without Roma? Why is Roma theatre important? What are the qualities and virtues of Roma actors and creators? Why is it important that Roma people also share their stories? A conversation with Simonida Selimovič, a member of Romano Svato company on the biggest challenge she ever had to face, her career, her goals and the importance of Roma theatre. "I felt that I have a mission, I want to be an actress and I want to make my own theatre.” 

An interview with Kumar Vishwanathan, the leader of Life Together Kumar Vishwanathan In the Czech city of Ostrava, it is a big problem that the Roma children are just running about without masks, in spite of the fact that it’s required by law to wear a face mask outside. Sometimes people give their masks to each-other, and we have to explain everywhere why it is important to put it on, how to use it, that they have to wash, dry and iron it before using it the next day. We try to educate the Roma children to take the epidemic seriously because if one person gets infected, the whole community is at risk. It started as a community thing in our community centre in Liščina, Ostrava when the crisis was just at the beginning and there weren’t as strict regulations as today. We wanted to teach the mothers how to sew masks for their children and families. A non-Roma and two Roma women started the work: Olina, Alka, and Věra. The idea was that the Roma women from the community will...

What do your parents mean to you? Who can you really count on? What would you like to thank them for and how? We have to face several difficulties throughout our life, but there are always people around us who we can count on no matter what happens. I have always believed that it is worth taking advice from people who had been in a similar situation. I consider myself lucky because I had a wonderful childhood with parents who did everything they could for me and my brothers. We were dearly loved while growing up, we had a beautiful life and I will be grateful to them forever. I love my friends – usually I am the odd one out, the only Gypsy girl in every circle of friends but that has never been much of a subject.   My parent's opinion and advice has always been important to me. I wanted them to be proud of me, that is why I decided to graduate from high school, learn a trade and – to my father's delight – obtain a driving license. I have taken their advice, I kne...

What is real perseverance? Have you ever thought about how much your parents do for you day after day? They make decisions and trust that they serve the best interest of the family. Have you ever been in a situation when you had to make an important decision, one that had an impact on other’s life as well? Daddy, I wanna share what’s on my mind Do you remember when I was four-year-old? You and mummy were getting divorced And you got a chance to change your life. Lot more money, respectable work But staying in our town was not among the perks. You asked me how that’d feel? Did I have any doubt? I answered that I didn’t care much for wealth I’d give up easily on holidays or presents Just stay with us! That is all I care about. For your perseverance I must thank you And I wish for all your hopes to come true The blog entry was written by Ákos Fülöp, a participant of Independent Theatre Hungary’s Roma Heroes workshop.  

What is life in a children's home like? Who takes care of the children? What rules shall they obey and how can they bend them? This play, based on the life of František Balog, founder of Actor Theatre in Košice, presents scenes from the morning routine of the children's home where he grew up. Moreover, he tells us about his love life in the foster home and how a piano can hinder this love. The play is hilarious and at the same time conveys an serious message on how important it is to have motivation in life, devote time to ourselves and find our peace. The play was supported by Visegrád Fund and the Slovak Institute. The performance was hosted by RS9 Theatre in Budapest.                

We have to face a lot of challenges and difficulties throughout our life. However, the most important is to stick to our goal, no matter what, and do our best to achieve what we truly want. This story dates back to my childhood. I still remember the moment when we entered our new home. I don't know how old I was but I can clearly recall that I thought, we might have a better life here. My stepfather would take care of us, we would live together in happiness, we wouldn't be cold during the night... As years went by, I really got everything I ever needed. One of my most precious memories is when my stepfather picked me up at school one autumn afternoon. He made me sit on his bike and we rode home. I was very happy, I was laughing the whole time and I fell asleep that night with a smile on my face. I can't explain what was so special about that afternoon but I can still remember that feeling. When I lost him, his absence left a huge void. I tried to find joy...

Roma heroes – 3. At the International Roma Theatre Festival, Giuvlipen company from Bucharest told the story of a young Roma girl who would have liked to keep studying but neither her family nor her school supported her. The play is based on a real story and presents the struggle of the girl that results in suicide and the struggle of those who knew her (priest, leader of the Roma community, teacher, parents) from various perspectives, raising the validity of different approaches and at the same time pointing out collective responsibility that no one can escape. Funding: Badur Foundation and USA Embassy in Hungary Contributors Starring Mihaela Dragan, Zita Moldovan and Liana Ceterchi Music: Elena Albu Cameramen: Máté Bartha Sound engineer: Gábor Kerekes Sound mixing: Ákos Lovász Director and light: Mihai Lukács Film editor: Péter Illés

So Kheren Amenca?! / Forever Holiday?!, the coproduction of Gorki Studio in Berlin and Romano Svato company in Vienna is based on the story of two sisters who got deported from their motherland. What can a parent do if she gets a letter claiming that her children can no longer live in the land that they believed to be their home? Everything changes and just one thing matters: what can they do to be able to stay? But there is nothing they can do, they cannot stay in the country. They get expelled and that is when their endless holiday begins: visiting distant relatives whose world is incredibly far from the young adults. Come and watch the play to learn what kind of challenges they have to face and how they overcome the difficulties! Funding: Badur Foundation, Goethe Institut Budapest, USA Embassy in Hungary Contributors directed by Sandra Selimovic project manager: Joshua Weiss dramaturge: Hanna AlTaher assistant director: Miriam Wagner project assistant: Jasmin ...

In September 2019, the Czech ARA Art company evoked the history of Roma communities in a new form, building on the elements of circus arts. The storytelling of a Roma women guides us through the fate of the Roma community, starting with the origin legend of Gypsy people, through modern history and Holocaust till the assimilation efforts of the socialist regime. Contributors Design and camera: Máté Bartha Directed by Márton Illés Sound engineer: Gábor Kerekes Microphone: Péter Illés Sound mixing: Gábor Kerekes Light: Márta Borbála Csapó Film editor: Dénes Fellegi Funding: Badur Foundation, USA Embassy in Hungary and Visegrád Fund The perforance was invited to Hungary with the support of Visegrád Fund 

In this play by Independent Theater Hungary put youngsters on the stage to show the insane health care system, their own traumas and prejudices, and ask themselves as well as the spectators what we can do - instead of complaining - to improve this situation. Funding: Open Society Institute Contributors Written and directed by Rodrigó Balogh Dramaturge: Márton Illés Movement director: Gyula Antal Horváth Costume design: Luca Szabados Music editor: Barbara Balázs Assistant: Judit Kőszegi Visual: Alina Vincze and Péter Illés

What does education mean for you? What would you sacrifice for studying? What can a young student do if her family does not support her in continuing her studies? How can she fight prejudices in the school every day? What is our responsibility for the youngsters and in providing equal opportunities for everyone in starting their lives and being able to study? The play provides insight to a really brave girl's life who has to stand up to her family's will.  The play of Giuvlipen Company from Bucharest is based on a real story; it presents the struggle of the girl, that results in suicide, from various perspectives, raising the validity of different approaches and at the same time pointing out collective responsibility that no one can escape.

Where do we really come from? Where does the centuries-long persecution of Gypsy people date back? Where did we travel around and how did kings and princes treat us? The tale of an old Roma women provides insight to the history of Roma people. She begins her tale on Gypsy odyssey with creation myths, but the story gets worse and worse and it does not improve during the Habsburg rule and reaches rock bottom during the 2nd World War. After having lost half of the family, may communism bring some relief? The old woman believes so, but her daughter who just arrives home does not agree. Let's face the past together to be able to build a better future! The Czech ARA Art company invites us to an extraordinary historic journey in a new theatrical form, using elements of circus arts too.