Amplifying women’s voices through theatre

This summer, we worked with young Afghans at Bard College, using theatre to explore the challenges they face having fled their homes in Afghanistan. Our theatre workshop helped students to heal emotionally and integrate more fully into their academic and personal lives. The opportunity to freely express hopes and fears is uplifting and healing.

One participant said: “We had an incredible time... we laughed, played and connected through creative games and improvisation. The energy was contagious.”

We were also joined by our former Afghan intern, Rukhsar Balkhi, now getting her Masters degree at Columbia and continuing her work with us on women's rights and security. She told us, “Returning to Bond Street Theatre feels like coming home.”

Our fundraising goal this year will focus on helping our friends still suffering under the most egregious Taliban restrictions. Let's not forget the women of Afghanistan!

While our work with the Afghan community continues, we are happy to announce a new program: Promoting Gender Equality through Theatre in Jordan.

In collaboration with Za'al and Khadra of the popular Jordanian TV series of the same name, we will be creating plays with women in six states in Jordan. The women will identify the most pertinent issues regarding their rights and, together, we will devise plays bringing each issue to public attention. Women are frequently subject to gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and limited access to financial services. 

The training provides the women with theatre and media skills, as well as leadership and advocacy training. The plays will be based on the women's real-life stories, performed in their home communities, and followed by audience discussions to foster healthy dialogue among friends and families. Stay tuned for more!

Thank you for joining our journey!

Joanna, Michael, Casey, and the Bond Street Theatre team