Crafting Together: A Creative Journey with the Hybrid Residency Program ….

Elli’s Insights from the Hybrid Residency by CUBE.

Embarking on the Hybrid Residency Program with Theatre in Palm felt like stepping onto acreative rollercoaster, blending the timeless narrative of Antigone with the urgency ofenvironmental themes. As a theater student, the opportunity to collaborate with artists from thecorners of Greece and Sweden was a deeply personal exploration into uncharted creativeterritories.

Before immersing myself in the program, a mix of excitement and worry brewed within me.Antigone’s well-known narrative, delving into socio political struggles, left me curious about howour group, with its different creative styles, would interpret it. Expecting to meet individuals withdistinct ideas, especially coming from a background of mainstream theater plays, added anintriguing layer to my anticipation.
Our initial week in Greece brought a mix of challenges as we wrestled with diverse interpretationsof Antigone. Finding common ground demanded not only extensive discussions and compromisesbut also heart-to-heart connections. Amidst the chaos, a transformative moment occurred during aleisurely walk to Thessaloniki’s port. Sharing stories and capturing moments with Polaroidsnapshots, that our lovely mentor Evita provided, helped not just solidify our vision but also deepenour bonds as a group.

The shift to Finland marked not only a change in location but also a transition from formalintroductions to genuine camaraderie with our Swedish counterparts. Mentors Miina and Mervi,with their perfect blend of structured and motherlike discussions and our essential coffee refills,created an environment that didn’t just encourage creativity but also provided genuineconnections.

In the background, our creative process evolved into a practical yet personal method. Writing downideas, categorizing them, and trying them on stage became more than just a spitfire brainstormingtechnique. It became a personal exploration of what felt right not just for the mind but for the bodyas well.

Decision-making wasn’t always smooth, especially when defining our overarching theme. Surprisingly, the theme of revolution emerged organically as we merged the fundamental ideas brought back from the first week of the residency. The combination of different art forms, but especially the addition of hip-hop dance, a deeply personal passion of mine, added a layer of physical expression, symbolizing rebellion and unity within our collective work.

After the fact, the evolution of our theme came naturally, although it wasn’t, in a way, our initial goal. Merging influences led us to discover not just common ground but also a shared passion. On a personal note, I am forever grateful to my teammates for allowing me to blend my passion for theater and hip-hop, two art forms seldom combined. Picture a live performance captured by three cameras,in three countries, yet no live audience in sight.

Connectivity concerns were present, but our final act unfolded seamlessly, showcasing not just our team’s resilience but also our passion to share our creation with a broader audience. The absence of a live
audience didn’t lower our spirits, if anything, it fueled our shared desire to share our creation with others. Accomplishing the creation of art with nine strangers, each with unique perspectives and artistic skills, was empowering and deeply educational. The combination of acting, dancing, and directing experiences allowed me to not just see but personally feel how different media can shape our decisions and viewpoints.

As the residency concluded, a sense of accomplishment settled in. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds wasn’t just empowering, it was a deeply personal journey, offering insights into the
universal language of art that reaches beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. In conclusion, I’ve not only grown as an artist but also as an individual. Uncertainty about my creative purpose transformed into clarity, and being part of a collaborative effort including twelve countries was not just an eye-opening experience but a deeply personal one. Meeting people from different backgrounds shattered not only predetermined limits but also personal barriers, leaving me with a fresh belief in the boundless potential of collaboration in art.