Theater for justice
Activism for the rights of disabled people through theater.
By Behar Ibishi | July 6, 2024
Since the age of 15, I have devoted my heart and passion to advocating for the rights of disabled people.
I began my commitment by becoming a member of the association of people with disabilities and volunteering with the organization Hendifer. My focus has been on raising essential issues in the fields of education and infrastructure. Inspired by the belief that every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves accessibility and equal access to education, I have dedicated myself to changing and improving conditions for this community, to which I belong.
This dedication has been both a part of my commitment and a daily motivation to effect real change. I believe that if a person is given accessibility and education, including the opportunity to express their opinions freely, there is no obstacle that can stop them from achieving their dreams.
In my activism, I have followed a clear goal: striving for justice. I don’t want pity because I understand that it can do more harm than good to people with disabilities. We should not be treated as victims but as citizens of an equal society.
I am determined to challenge the concept of victimization in this area. I believe in my ability to succeed as much as I believe in my right to proper conditions, adequate infrastructure and equal treatment.
This is not only a fight for the rights of people with disabilities but also a call for a society that recognizes and respects the rights of each individual without distinction. I want to live in a reality where justice is the foundation of our society. This is the challenge I have taken upon myself.
Political activism between passion and disappointment
A long time ago, when I started my path in political activism, I was convinced that I was part of something that would fundamentally change our society. I believed with passion and idealism that the combined power of dedicated individuals could translate into change for all. My activities have included organizing protests to denounce injustices and advocate for a fairer and more equal society. On this journey, I have also helped organize movie evenings focused on films about social justice. These events were not only opportunities for entertainment but also means to spark debate and discussion about the values and ideals of our movement.
I have also been involved in organizing debates about books, focusing mainly on left-leaning political literature. This has served as a means of deepening knowledge and as a tool to stimulate analysis and reflection on political topics.
When I first embarked on this path, I believed in a just cause for freedom and justice. However, as often happens, reality did not match our dreams.
But today, I feel a deep disappointment, a feeling that arose from a bitter experience on this path of political engagement. For me, this frustration can only be compared to the sentiment expressed in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” In my eyes, the utopia built on love and ideals was gradually destroyed by the very people who claimed to represent it.
When I first embarked on this path, I believed in a just cause for freedom and justice. However, as often happens, reality did not match our dreams. I witnessed conflicts within the group, personal ambitions and a lack of real desire to change the status quo.
However, this disappointment did not make me abandon my cause. Rather, it prompted me to ask a fundamental question: is it possible to fight for a fairer and freer society without being disappointed?
At this crucial point, I decided to keep my belief in the values of justice and freedom. I have chosen to continue along this path, always maintaining a critical view of what happens around me — even about how activism is shaped. Only by understanding and recognizing disappointment can we change what has disappointed us.
If “Animal Farm” taught me anything, it’s that freedom and justice cannot be taken for granted but must be fought for every day. This is the path I have chosen to follow, even though my determination has been challenged by frustration, it is accompanied by an unstoppable desire for change.
Expressing reality onstage — a theater student in search of social justice
I study theater directing, a passionate follower of the arts, aiming to change social consciousness through performances. Political theater is my tool for my causes, especially for the rights of people with disabilities.
I want the theater I create to serve as a catalyst for change and an opportunity to stimulate debate on issues that affect the soul and structure of society. On every corner of the stage, I feel the weight of responsibility to reveal reality in a profound and provocative way.
The use of political theater is the awakening of a living consciousness, a call for political and social change. Through my work, I aim to encourage deep reflection on current events and socio-political phenomena and our involvement in them. With every show, I try to express people’s emotions and dilemmas, making them think about their rights.
By expressing reality through drama, I hope to provoke the collective spirit and awaken the sense of responsibility we all have in creating a more just and equal society. Political theater, in my eyes, is a voice that speaks to our conscience, pushing us to change. The theater is a space for my story.
Feature Image: Atdhe Mulla / K2.0.
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