Part of The International Day of Democracy 2023 – a Reminder!
A TCFT/Opera Circus Event
17th September 2023
Doors open 3pm/15.00
Films start 3.30pm/15.30
“If you’ve been part of a TCFT project or workshop before you should know that the ‘process’ is far more important than focusing on what should be ‘produced’ by the end of it.
The same can be said for IZAZOV!.”
“There’s a risk of forming routine and never challenging yourself to change habits or experience other lifestyles. It seems to be the status quo to meet certain milestones by each age, to have it all figured out.”
“What’s always exciting is to create a more open working space of trust, kindness and freedom and watching those creative moments emerge. Change begins to happen.”
At the start of a the latest residency, we were given a question to explore, which was along the lines of "what does TCFT mean to me- can we explain it or share it with others?”. A week or so later, I emailed my thoughts. When asked whether I would consider publishing them online, weeks of procrastination ensued from some unidentified place of hesitation…
“I’m going to talk about my three linked careers, and the political principals that convinced me to make the decisions I felt were necessary to change one career for another. I want you to understand I am addressing Anglo/American conditions. What they may imply about your own countries is for you to decide.”
“I am not usually good at showing appreciation and I usually forget to say thank you but this NEEDS to be said without a doubt!!”
Mhairi shares her experience of participating in TCFT activity for the first time at TCFT Croydon 2018.
Shaniqua looks back on the first day of TCFT Croydon 2018, while looking forward to the upcoming days in the programme.
In university Robert became active in politics on the campus where the Students for a Democratic Society had been formed. He ran a political campaign demanding equal rights for all and then joined a small group of University of Michigan students to go to Montgomery Alabama. MLK had asked for white students to help present a demand to the racist governor George Wallace to allow the second Selma march to be allowed to proceed in peace. Robert’s groups were savagely attacked by mounted KKK, supported by state troopers on motorbikes.
“What I discovered, early in work, was that not all leaders are real leaders.
Some people have experience way beyond their position in the hierarchy and although not actually in charge, these people should be listened to…”
Following a series of discussions and workshops on the involvement of young people in policymaking and cultural activities, a small group from TCFT joined together in Brussels for a visit of the European Parliament, as well as a programme of workshops and presentations on the various things we can do to improve our communities and the future cultural relationship between the UK and our neighbours across Europe (and the world).
Shaniqua reflects on the process of bringing TCFT to Croydon, her hometown.
Recently UPGTeam's spokesperson Alister attended an EU conference on Street Arts and how Street Theatre can deal with issues of social justice. It was a big deal for us to speak at the world's most transparent and open parliament, and we've since been asked by quite a few people for a copy of what we said. You can find the full text below. It'll take 10 minutes to read. It does involve Brexit. Enjoy!
“I must express my gratitude to Marko Stankovic and Irena Ganescu for their vision, bravery, hard work and excellence in creating a seemless set of events, and for taking such care of Tina and myself.”
Dinu Munteanu, Research Assistant and Bournemouth University writes about the research into the Impact TCFT has had over the years.
Read about Pedro's experience during TCFT 2017 in Sarteano, Italy!
Laura Fatini shares how being part of the TCFT community gave her a sense of ease.
Sandra Djuric shares her reflections on what the TCFT experience has been for her.
Some thoughts about what has been achieved with TCFT and what the future might hold.
Tina Ellen Lee, Artistic Director of Opera Circus and lead organiser of TCFT and the Erasmus + grants 2015 -2017.