How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

I was invited to participate in the theatrical workshop in Tizi Ouzu, Algeria – which was part of the international cultural event ”1ère Journée Méditerranéenne du Théâtre”, organized by the cultural association TARWA N GAYA de Redjaouna Tizi-Ouzu, in collaboration with Teatro In Rivolta (Italy). During the workshop I was presenting my artistic method of creating performance (in this workshop I choose to present my work on solo performance ANTIGONE, based on the ancient tragedy of Sophocles) to the Algerian students and theatre creators. It was interesting to teach them how to use the voice, movement and energy-rhythm in creating the performance of ancient drama. At the same time, I learned about the Algerian theatre, its history and cultural traditions, watched theatrical works of the Algerian local theatre groups. Also, during the event we had very important discussions about the developing of contemporary world theatre, about the cultural, political and social problems in our countries.

How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?

The contacts we made with the Algerian cultural association TARWA N GAYA of Tizi Ouzu and their partners – Teatro In Rivolta (Italy) gave the idea and perspective to continue this collaboration in the future, and to make the “Journée Méditerranéenne du Théâtre” traditional. We discussed the ways of collaboration and educating of Algerian theatre students (because in this country there is a lack of professionalism in the theatre because of the past war). I believe, that contemporary theatre cannot exist if it remains closed, without the international exchange and ignoring about different cultural. I agree with the great European theatre artist director Peter Brook, which believed and declared that the traveling is the essence and the goal of the theatrical art. In my artistic life, I am studying and traveling a lot in order to know more and more about all the world’s theatre movements and tendencies.

Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)

http://www.birutemar.lt