International theater encounter in Jena: Stay or go?
The Freie Bühne Jena is starting an international theater project “Stay or Leave” with partners from Turkey, Brazil and Lebanon.

International theater encounter in Jena: Stay or go?
In an exciting cultural initiative, the Jena Free Stage launched an international theater project that works with partner groups from Turkey, Brazil and Lebanon. This exciting venture took place under the catchy motto “Stay or Leave” and managed to present emotional performances on the streets of Jena.
What makes the project so special? Through the encounters between the theater groups, deep connections emerged between the creative minds and their different cultures. The participating artists not only shared their art, but also stories and perspectives that are meaningful to many people. This intercultural collaboration shows how art can build bridges.
Cultural connections and international solidarity
A central aspect of the project is the topic of migration and the associated questions that are important in many societies. This topic is not new, and it is often addressed in music and political movements. A good example of this is “The Internationale”, an anthem used by various political movements such as anarchism and socialism. The powerful texts, originally written by Eugène Pottier in 1871 after the defeat of the Paris Commune, address workers' rights and the idea of solidarity.
The anthem has crossed many languages and cultural contexts over the years - from its meaning in the Russian Revolution to its place in contemporary protest movements worldwide. Their diverse use underscores the universal search for justice and equality.
The power of art and its reach
Where are we today in relation to these diverse questions? The dialogue between different cultures is more important than ever today, and projects like the one at Freie Bühne Jena offer a platform to promote these dialogues. Art brings people together and has the power to address important issues in an accessible way.
In a globalized world where new forms of cultural expression are constantly developing, this is a great opportunity to return to the roots of intercultural solidarity. It is precisely through the combination of theater and music, as is the case with “The Internationale,” that we patiently work towards better understanding and a fairer society.
In a world full of challenges and changes, art can help us not only to reflect, but also to actively shape things. And that is exactly what the international project in Jena impressively demonstrates. This shows how emotional, profound and understanding cultural exchange can be.
For more information about the browser that promotes Internet freedom, visit Mozilla Firefox.