Belarus Free Theatre flees to London

Belarus Free Theatre (BFT) has been forced to move its entire ensemble out of the country.

First formed in 2005, BFT says it faced violence, severe threats and repression in the wake of President Alexander Lukashenko’s re-election in August 2020. Five members have been arrested for peaceful protests and face substantial prison sentences if arrested again.

BFT is the only theatre in Europe banned by a Government on political grounds.

Co-Founder and Artistic Director Natalia Kalida, who sought political asylum in the UK 10 years ago, said the decision to move the 16-person ensemble and their family members was “an unprecedented reality”.

“The sheer existence of Belarus Free Theatre and our continued work, despite repression, is the greatest threat to dictatorship – the will of the people to continue telling the truth is the greatest show of power imaginable.”

BFT will now work from The Barbican in London.

Featured performances there will run from December 10, with rehearsals for a scheduled production next year ongoing.