A solo performance performed live in Salzburg and broadcast to the theater. Based on the true stories and letters of Belarusian female political prisoners. This play is about freedom and imprisonment, decisions and consequences, guilt and responsibility, strength and weakness. It is a piece about the lack of connection with political prisoners. About the author's connection to her country and connection between European democracy and Belarusian dictatorship. Live discussion and reception after.
"For almost 2 years, there was no contact with Mariia. Nobody knew where she was. Of course, it was known that she was in prison. But in what state? The Belarusian authorities had concealed any information – of her location, of her conditions. Most importantly, whether she was still alive. “
These words begin the play "Connection", dedicated to Belarusian political prisoners, and in particular to Maria Kolesnikova - a woman who inspired millions of Belarusians, a woman who became a symbol of freedom, creativity and courage, a woman who has been in Belarusian prison for almost 5 years. This performance is based on the real stories and letters of Belarusian women political prisoners. It is a play about freedom, decisions, guilt and about connection. About connection with your country. About the connection between democracy and dictatorship. About the lack of connection with political prisoners.
It is a reminder of the importance of democracy and how easy it is to lose it.
The premiere took place on 20 April 2024 at Kleines Studio Salzburg, Austria. The performance is supported by the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria BMEIA within the framework of the European Artists Solidarity Programme and the project "Practicing Care" of the University Mozarteum, Salzburg Austria.
Director and actress Maryna Yakubovich
Text Maryna Yakubovich & Mikita Ilyinchyk
Assistant director Alina Danko
Sponsored by the Austrian Cultural Forum New York
Photos by Michael Klimt
Maryna Yakubovich is an actress, director and theatre educator. For more than 16 years she was the leading actress of Belarus Free Theatre, the main character of the film "Courage" by Aleksei Poluyan. In 2021 she was forced to leave Belarus due to the threat of repression. She is currently an acting teacher at the Mozarteum University, Salzburg (Austria) and also creates her own independent theatre projects.
ABOUT THE 2025 REHEARSAL FOR TRUTH INTERNATIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL
Rehearsal for Truth International Theater Festival, honoring Václav Havel, is a showcase of contemporary European theater organized each year in New York City. Conceived in 2017 as a shared endeavor of the Václav Havel Center (VHC) and Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association (BBLA), the festival honors the legacy of Czech playwright, dissident and political thinker Vaclav Havel.
Each edition of Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival addresses current sociopolitical trends in Central and Eastern Europe, offering New York audiences a unique opportunity to witness the region’s theatrical zeitgeist.
The program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. The festival is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.