How is Belarus Free Theatre faring a year on from 2020's presidential election?

BFT’s output has been rewarded with an increasing number of attendees – one ensemble member says people feel safer being with them, although audiences now have to be referred for shows, of which some are online (BFT is a world pioneer at putting shows online, which it has done for 11 years). Fear is not just felt by the audience either, another ensemble member writes that nowhere is safe in Belarus and by performing “one can get away from the constant expectation that they will come for you”.

The West’s fourth round of sanctions against Belarus has made Belarusians feel less alone, but Kaliada likens Tsimanouskaya’s bid for freedom at the Tokyo Olympics as the scream of all Belarusians that the rest of the world refuses to hear.

It must irk Lukashenko that the banned company is famous worldwide, while Olympian success, which he believes justifies his system, is so elusive. This makes the situation more challenging for BFT, which is why it and Belarusians need the support of theatre colleagues and friends in the UK – especially as prime minister Boris Johnson’s meeting with Tikhanovskaya earlier this month offered solidarity, but little else.

To coincide with the anniversary of the elections, BFT has launched a new project: Letters from Lukashenko’s Prisoners. A new letter will be published – in English, Belarussian and Russian – every Monday over the coming months. Meanwhile, individual artists can let BFT know they stand with it by tweeting using #StandWithBelarus #ЖывеБеларусь from August 9. UK theatres could offer sanctuary to actors/companies that are cultural resistors or commission BFT’s shows and educational work, helping other theatre communities to prepare for, fight and respond to political uncertainties within their own countries.

BFT continues its important work, but it still needs your help.

For more information go to: belarusfreetheatre.com/campaigns