Alternative Theater Initiatives Navigate Space and Survival in Eastern Europe
In 1996, Nona Ciobanu, alongside Julian Baltestescu, established the TOACA Cultural Foundation in Bucharest to promote contemporary art and support emerging artists. The foundation collaborates with MAPA in Amsterdam, MAMAPAPA in Prague, and The Contemporary Dance Association in Bratislava. Founded in 1993 by Ide Van Heiningen, MAPA offers multidisciplinary training through workshops and a traveling "Karavan." MAMAPAPA, directed by Tomas Zizka, utilizes theatre as a mobile venue but encounters difficulties due to urban redevelopment. TOACA operates from Casa Eliad, a 19th-century structure in Bucharest, which faces opposition from local officials. An article released on November 11, 2002, addresses issues such as corruption and funding shortages, emphasizing the importance of artistic autonomy in challenging times.
Key facts
- TOACA Cultural Foundation was established in 1996 by Nona Ciobanu and Julian Baltestescu in Bucharest.
- MAPA (Moving Academy of Performing Arts) was officially founded in 1993, originating from a 1983 Berlin theatre project.
- MAMAPAPA in Prague is led by Tomas Zizka and operates under the Linhart Foundation at Studio Citadela.
- TOACA's center is located in Casa Eliad, a 19th-century building in Bucharest's sector 3, facing local opposition.
- The article was published on November 11, 2002, detailing a journey through Eastern Europe.
- MAPA's "Karavan" tour is a mobile studio/office/theatre that facilitates exchange and training.
- The proposed Kotelna Partnership in Prague aimed to unite multiple cultural groups but failed due to urban regeneration.
- TOACA and MAMAPAPA emphasize educational roles through international exchange programs to change cultural climates.
Entities
Artists
- Nona Ciobanu
- Julian Baltestescu
- Tomas Zizka
- Ide Van Heiningen
- Mirna Zagar
- Vlad Zografi
- Hilary Powell
Institutions
- TOACA Cultural Foundation
- MAPA (Moving Academy of Performing Arts)
- MAMAPAPA
- The Contemporary Dance Association
- D.A.M.U. Academy of Performing Arts
- Linhart Foundation
- Roxy nightclub
- No D exhibition/performance space
- pimac (Prague international media center)
- Tri-media lab
- 4+4 days in motion festival
- Dance Week Festival
- European Mime Federation
- Goldsmiths College, University of London
- ARTMargins Online
Locations
- Bucharest
- Romania
- Prague
- Czech Republic
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Bratislava
- Slovakia
- Berlin
- Germany
- Zagreb
- Croatia
- London
- United Kingdom
- Frankfurt
- Austria
- Hungary
- Moldavia
- Carpathians
- Karlin
- Letnin park
- Casa Eliad
- B Dul Mirces Voda
- Sector 3
- Studio Citadela
- Prague 1
- Kotelna boiler factory