It is well known that immersing oneself in diverse perspectives fosters understanding, compassion, and the ability to relate to the experiences of others. Theater, with its profound capacity to convey messages to audiences, can significantly enhance a community’s sense of empathy. Furthermore, Theater Arts encourage collaboration and can serve as a platform for social discourse, potentially driving social change. When Julie Kiernan, professor of Theater and Speech Communication at Salem State University, accepted a Fulbright award to collaborate with the Theater Department of New Bulgarian University, she aimed to impart this very message to her Bulgarian students.
To achieve this, Julie developed a theater workshop project for Roma youth. This initiative was a collaboration between MIR centers (Centre for Integrated Services for Children and Families, situated in various Roma communities), the University, and Julie herself as a Fulbright Scholar. The workshop brought together twenty young people from four different MIR centers (Fakulteta, Philipovtzi, and Hristo Botev) in the Fakulteta neighborhood. They participated in theater exercises facilitated by Julie and thirteen New Bulgarian University theater students. Each MIR participant was paired with a university theater student mentor for the duration of the workshop.
This workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for the youth to engage with university students and faculty from NBU, learning theater exercises and the essential skills of performing before an audience. The participants were guided in creating a unique final presentation. The workshop aimed to provide an enjoyable learning experience while breaking down cultural barriers and ran for four Saturdays in March 2024. The culmination of these workshops was showcased at the NBU Theater on April 14, 2024. On this day, the MIR students visited New Bulgarian University, toured the campus, practiced their presentation, and had lunch. Following the practice session, they presented their work to an audience that included parents, guardians, family members, MIR staff, NBU faculty and students, and Fulbright scholars. The project was a resounding success, demonstrating commendable commitment to supporting Roma youth and their narratives. As NBU Student Iliyan Hristov puts it: “For me, the experience with the MIR students was unforgettable. Getting outside of your comfort zone to go and help the youngest members of our society – there are no words to describe the feeling. Knowing that your actions have impacted the development of these kids for the rest of their lives is invaluable. I feel deeply touched and blessed to have had the privilege to know each and every one of them. I remain grateful for this experience. One thing I take away for myself: we are all different, but we are all the same, really.”
This initiative paralleled another event championed by Julie – the Veterans Ten Minute Play Festival. This festival features plays selected from a nationwide playwriting contest for veterans across the United States and is held annually at Salem State University. It includes an open discussion session between playwrights and the audience, facilitating community dialogue. The festival serves as an expressive outlet for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to address and process challenging issues such as PTSD, substance abuse, and personal loss through the arts. These plays not only honor historical heroes but also highlight lesser-known figures.
Student actors participating in the festival have the opportunity to work directly with veterans, which helps to dismantle the barriers surrounding sensitive topics and bridges the gap between civilians and veterans, fostering mutual understanding.
Both projects orchestrated by Julie Kiernan underscore the transformative power of theater in building empathy, understanding, and community engagement. By bringing together diverse groups—whether Roma youth and university students in Bulgaria or veterans in the United States—these initiatives highlight the shared human experience and the arts’ unique ability to break down cultural and social barriers. Through creative collaboration and storytelling, participants and audiences alike are encouraged to view the world through different lenses, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society. The success of these projects is a testament to the enduring impact of theater as a medium for social change and personal growth.