Belarus Free Theatre

Enviat per Belarus Free Theatre el dl., 2013-01-07 19:05

Belarus Free Theatre (BFT) was founded on 30 March 2005 in Belarus by Natalia Kaliada and Nicolai Khalezin, who were soon joined by Vladimir Shcherban. Between them, these three developed the artistic aesthetic of the company which has remained the same throughout its existence. They sought political asylum in the UK in 2011 and created a new part of the company in London, while continuing their work with the permanent ensemble left behind in Minsk who perform and tour around the world as Belarus Free Theatre.

Under the current political system in Belarus the company has no official registration, no premises, nor any other facilities. Rehearsals and performances (always free of charge for the Belarusian public) are normally held secretly in small private apartments, which, due to security and the risk of persecution, must constantly be changed.
BFT was registered in the UK as a company limited by guarantee in January 2012 and achieved charity status shortly after.
While the company is an associate of the Young Vic theatre and works from their London offices, it continues to operate from Minsk where performances are held secretly in small private apartments or houses.