Review: Let Us Entertain You and Educate You by Terapija, Skopje, Macedonia

"Let Us Entertain You and Educate You" was a captivating multimedia event held at the Nacionalna opera i balet - National Opera & Ballet on May 27th 2023 organized by Terapija.

The event was moderated by Ivana Dragšić, a seasoned sociologist, civilian operator, and DJ in the domestic and regional club scene. With her diverse background, Ivana proved to be the perfect guide for the several-hour event, which offered a dynamic mix of performances, lectures, music, and entertainment.

One of the highlights of the evening was the exhibition by the talented young artist Olimpija Kamcheva-Stojcheska. Through her bold and energetic works, Olimpija showcased her innate aesthetics and intuitiveness, captivating the audience with her valuable fantasies and artistic expressions. Professor Antoni Mazniewski, who followed Olimpija's work closely, commended her youthful enthusiasm, rebelliousness, and the cheerful spirit depicted in her paintings.

Another participant in the event was artist Antoni Maznevski, who presented a selection of his works that have consistently appealed to audiences of different generations. Maznevski, a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at UKIM, demonstrated his expertise in painting and transmedia practices through his visually engaging pieces. With exhibitions in various cultural centers worldwide, Maznevski's contributions to the event added depth and variety to the artistic experience.

Agnes Nokshiqi, an actress and professor at the Faculty of Drama in Pristina, brought her unique perspective to the multimedia event. Known for creating striking performances focused on body and movement, Agnes seamlessly blended her passion for music, often taking on the role of a DJ. Her presence at the event added an extra layer of excitement and creativity.

Voin de Voin, a multidisciplinary artist from Sofia, showcased his thought-provoking performance titled "Kiss them to death." The piece delved into the destructive nature of war, shedding light on the current political shift to the right and emphasizing the urgency for immediate action to end all wars. Voin's work, which incorporated collective rituals, gender studies, and psycho-geography, highlighted the power of art as activism.

Astrit Ismaili presented his alter-ego, 'Miss Kosovo,' derived from his larger performance work titled 'Miss.' Through this character, Ismaili explored the concept of 'Creative under Limitation' and addressed political events in the 90s in Europe, striving for the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state and the representation of the queer community.

Bogomir Doringer, a Serbian/Dutch artist, researcher, and curator, shared his insights during a talk titled "I Dance Alone." Doringer's ongoing research project observed clubbing as a mirror of social and political changes, exploring collective and individual dynamics on the dance floor. He introduced the concept of the "Dance of Urgency," which emerges in times of personal and collective crises, empowering individuals and collectives. Through video materials and visual examples, Doringer's presentation offered a compelling exploration of the transformative power of dance.

"Let Us Entertain You and Educate You" with the contributions of talented artists, professors, and moderators like Ivana Dragšić, the event succeeded in providing a rich cultural experience and stimulating intellectual discourse. The fusion of creativity, activism, and sociopolitical awareness made this multimedia event an unforgettable occasion for all attendees.

See ya at their next event!