THOC Roadshow Testimonial: Artistic Journey to Amsterdam, Netherlands

The THOC Roadshow continues to make a lasting impact, bringing together industry leaders and innovators to share their experiences. Below is a powerful testimonial from Andrea Charitou, who travelled with the program to Amsterdam, Netherlands, highlighting the value and insights gained from the event.

“On May 15th, thanks to the opportunity given to me by the Cyprus Theatre Organization, I participated in the Theatre Roadshow and traveled to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Through the Zid Theatre, I discovered the Explore Z Festival, which is organized annually.

I stayed in Amsterdam from the 14th to the 18th, and beyond the theatre experience, I had the chance to explore the city during my free time. I wandered through its stunning canals, soaking in their endless beauty, and immersed myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. For me, the people of Amsterdam stood out as colorful and full of life, adding even more brightness to my experience.

The team at Zid Theatre warmly welcomed me on the morning of May 14th. Before the workshops began, we had the opportunity to get to know each other. Each artistic group participating in the festival introduced themselves and spoke about the work they would be presenting.

Karoline, the founder of Zid Theatre, initiated the conversation by sharing the story of how Zid Theatre was established. A key pillar of its creation was the absence of theatre from political ideals. One word that resonated throughout the speeches of all contributors was “collaborative.”

I can confidently say that the philosophy of Zid Theatre is best encapsulated by the idea of “collaborating our thoughts.” Other significant phrases that stood out during the discussions included: “same mindset, different view about art,” “you are not alone,” and “nostalgic about something you never had.”

On May 15th, the workshops began. The first to kick things off was “Ja International Theatre” from Portugal with a workshop titled Shaking the Lambic: Exploring Character and Verse in Shakespeare. The focus was on “inferring and exploring character in both classical and contemporary forms of Shakespearean plays.” Specifically, we worked practically on Hamlet’s monologue, analyzing the impact of a theatrical play on people. 

Next on the schedule was Antagon TheaterAKTion from Germany with their workshop titled How to Communicate Without Words. This was “a physical theatre workshop with live music, balance, rhythm, and a new way of communicating that goes beyond words.” For me, it was one of the most engaging workshops. We began with individual warm-ups, then connected with our own bodies, the energy of the person opposite us, and the person next to us. We paired up to balance together, using allegories of water, rivers, and space as inspiration, and then balanced and walked together as a group.

The group gained a leader, whom we followed, constantly changing directions and leaders—all guided by live music. The incredible voices and musical instruments of the Antagon team created an unforgettable atmosphere.

The next workshop, titled Biomimetic Dance and Composition, was led by the Espronceda Institute of Art & Culture from Spain. “This workshop stems from recent research into art and science at INERVO, focusing on the human body and the composition of a stage in relation to the biomimetics of marine organisms such as phytoplankton and algae.” From this workshop, I gained a new understanding of the connection between the neck and the pelvis, and how these two parts drive the movement of the body while being deeply tied to our psyche.

The final workshop of the day—and the festival—was Body Memory: Dance Theatre as a Tool to Work on Memory by Residui Teatro, Spain. “The body is an essential instrument for the actor/dancer. Why does our body resonate with certain rhythms and melodies? Can we develop our empathy in a short time by listening to others? In this workshop, you will work on these questions.”

This workshop had a distinctly African and ritualistic feel. One phrase that stood out to me was: “We are not our body.” It deeply challenged me. In my notes, I also wrote that our body carries memory; it belongs to our ancestors, to those who evolved it and shaped it into what it is today.

We performed various movement exercises, starting slowly and progressively building up. The rhythm intensified, the music changed and became faster, evoking ethnic sounds from many different countries. The energy reached its peak. We united as a group, creating our own music with chants and sounds, then slowly relaxed and returned to ourselves, feeling liberated.

I felt like all my darkness came into the light. I can say that this workshop felt like a ritual—a true offering of body and soul. It was an incredible experience, one that is rare to come by, and I am truly honored and grateful to have lived it.

In the following days, I attended a performance by the Antagon group. It was an acrobatic performance featuring two exceptional artists who kept our eyes glued to them throughout. Another performance I attended was by Zid Theatre, held in a massive library in the city center, which housed a theatre inside. The main theme of this performance was recycling.

I also had the opportunity to observe their preparations before the shows, as well as participate in a small workshop conducted in one of the library’s smaller rooms. The workshop, aimed at children and their parents, was a beautiful and inspiring session for young audiences.

I would wholeheartedly recommend and encourage anyone who loves art to take the risk and dare to claim a spot in such a program. This experience is of immeasurable value, one I will carry with me forever. And all of this was made possible thanks to THOC and the Theatre in Palm program. This opportunity gives hope for the continuous and vibrant evolution of art.

Inspired by the Explore Z Festival, I believe that we could introduce similar workshops to the Cypriot scene. This could inspire other artists while helping us collectively discover new facets of ourselves through the art of theatre. Educating youth in the theatrical mindset is a crucial part of our country’s cultural landscape that needs to be cultivated further.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Zid Theatre team for their hospitality and the wonderful experience. The atmosphere was always welcoming and friendly toward me, and I truly appreciate it. I am equally grateful for the opportunity provided by THOC, through the Theatre in Palm program, which allowed me to attend this festival.
I must thank THOC once again and look forward to the possibility of another creative opportunity in the future. “