The Persians: With empathy against the conflict - theater as a peace founder
The Persians: With empathy against the conflict - theater as a peace founder
Vienna, Österreich - The performance of "Die Perser" by Aischyllos, over 2,500 years old, has been presented at the Vienna Festival since June 2, 2025 under the title "Perzen. Triomf van empathy". This newly interpreted version is not only a tribute to the oldest preserved tragedy of mankind, but also acts as a political parable in the current conflicts in Israel and Palestine. The plot transfers the audience into a region that is severely destroyed after the devastating Gaza war.
The political circumstances are particularly striking: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are in power, while the United States is in a decay and continues to expand Russia. In this dystopian future there is no longer free art; It is used exclusively for state -prescribed purposes. The complex history follows the theater students who have to deal with the topics of power, hybris and human suffering.a critical look at the conflict
in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Joël Herzog and Jean Auguste Neyroud from the Suisse Israel organization also comment. They appeal to the Palestinians to put their hatred of Israel and to turn to a possible future based on peace and cooperation. Duke and Neyroud warn that the continued resentment and the violent conflict could make a future impossible as an independent state. They call for an abolition of education to hatred and an appreciative attitude towards Israel.
In the performance, this can be experienced by personal stories and backgrounds of a multicultural ensemble that includes actors from Israel, Palestine, Russia and Senegal. Particular attention is paid to the representation of power structures, such as a scene in which a general has to justify himself in front of his parents, who are embodied in the staging of characters such as Bibi Netanyahu and a Hamas leader. Such scenes illustrate the question of guilt and responsibility in a bloody conflict.
art as an intermediary and hope sponsor
The use of art as a means of conflict transformation and promoting dialogue is emphasized in many initiatives. The Pro Peace platform supports projects in Israel and Palestine who aim to develop alternative narratives and to challenge the traditionally ambiguous relationship between the communities. Creativity in the form of theater, visual art and music plays an important role in promoting empathy and making different perspectives visible.
In addition, independent journalism is encouraged to ensure balanced reporting. Young Palestinian journalists in particular receive support, which are enabled for their work by training. The projects need constant financial support to further deepen the dialogue and strengthen the votes of the artists and journalists.
The Viennese festival weeks with their current performance therefore stand for a cultural exchange, but also for an intensive examination of the urgent questions of current current events, especially with regard to the Israel Palestine conflict.
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| Ort | Vienna, Österreich |
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