Actors Creativity - Masterclass with Markus Zohner

This initiative aims to strengthen the multi-cultural life of Kosovo's next generation, by teaching contemporary acting to creative youths from varied national and ethnic backgrounds.

Description

Markus Zohner is a leading figure in independent theatre, and heads an international campaign for development of theatres. After last year’s successful performance of "Ha! Hamlet" in Kosovo, Markus Zohner returned to the city for the second part of the “Actors creativity” masterclass, part of a long–term project running for the next few years.

For 7 days, 9 young professional Kosovan actors from the Centre for Children’s Theatre Development (CCTD) gathered skills and knowledge from the original acting method of Mr. Zohner. Masterclass lessons included: How to develop a story, how to create strong scenes and powerful dramatic images, how to build and develop a character; how to work with partners on stage, what is a good story and what is a bad story, and 'reality' on stage and 'reality' in reality- similarities and differences. These master classes were a great opportunity for Kosovan actors, who are educated in the old Stanislavski acting methodology.

This training will also serve as a preparatory phase of our next project; producing a new theatre performance for young people in Kosovo, with the aim of strengthening Kosovo- Swiss collaboration in field of culture; and presenting a theatre piece to the Kosovan audience which will deal with an important topic of today’s Kosovan society.

Our intention is to have a theatre show which will present Kosovo and its culture to international audiences as well as local ones. This initiative will allow people from abroad to receive correct information about life in Kosovo and will also educate our multi-ethnic theatre group.

Aims / Objectives

The aim of this initiative was to organise a series of educational workshops, led by professionals to empower talented and artistic youth, e.g. young actors and story writers, from all national and other diverse backgrounds. By improving their skills and talents we are educating a new generation of artists who will work on improving multi-cultural life in Kosovo.

How it is Articulated

Through a careful process of non-formal education that aims to raise awareness of cultural differences and build tolerance.

Achievements / Learning points

We are proud to have had international help and assistance in organising this initiative, and pleased to see new cross-cultural friendships develop. The entire course, workshops and training sessions were implemented without any difficulties or specific problems.

Geographical Area of Operation

Prishtina, Kosovo.

Funding Resources

Swiss theatre company and our local sponsors and donors - mainly the Kosovan Ministry for Youth, Culture and Sport.

Organisations Involved

Swiss theatre company, CCTD.