Project description: Research conducted by representatives of the organization in mid-2023 on peer violence in elementary and high schools in Novi Sad involved anonymous surveys of young people in their school environments, conducted by their peers who were part of the project. Approximately eighty students aged 13 to 16 were surveyed. The results were not significantly different from previous studies on the subject. A large number of young people responded that they would retaliate with violence if attacked, that they wouldn’t report violence because it could create problems for those who report it, and that when they witness peer violence, they usually turn away or distance themselves out of fear of becoming the “next target.” When asked if they had ever been exposed to some form of peer violence, more than 70% of the surveyed youth answered affirmatively! Additionally, many young people had experienced social and national discrimination. Based on these findings, a theatre performance was developed with young people using the method of Forum Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed, as well as methodologies from Drama/Theatre in Education, Community Theatre, Applied Drama, and Applied Theatre. The premiere of the forum theatre performance on the topic of peer violence, titled “Just One More Month…” took place in October 2023 at the Cultural Center of Novi Sad. The performance depicted scenes of violence, referred to as the “bait” in Theatre of the Oppressed, followed by a forum process with active audience participation to collectively seek solutions or ways to mitigate the violence depicted in the scenes. A facilitator, or “joker,” moderated the interaction between the young actors and the audience. The play was subsequently performed nine more times in front of young audiences, and each performance led to new solutions to the issues presented. The experts from the Center for Theatre Research aimed to encourage the young audience to generate their own ideas and solutions rather than imposing suggestions. The only intervention was that violence cannot be answered with more violence. The project also included collaboration with the INFANT Festival in Novi Sad, where a Forum Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed workshop was held.
Grant amount: 800.000,00 RSD
