Belarus Free Theatre

belarus free theatre is the only theatre company in europe banned by its government on political grounds. founded in minsk in 2005, bft emerged as a direct challenge to the absolute censorship of freedom of artistic expression in “europe’s last dictatorship”. the company was quickly forced underground, faced with harassment and persecution for its role in challenging the status quo and demanding recognition for those hidden on the margins of an oppressive society. in 2011, the company’s three artistic leaders, natalia kaliada, nicolai khalezin and vladimir shcherban, were forced into exile. becoming political refugees in the uk, bft was given a home in the young vic, london. since then belarus free theatre has worked across borders to create, campaign and educate – building a movement for democratisation, human rights and artistic freedom. in minsk, where the company is outlawed, bft’s permanent ensemble continues to perform over 100 times each year. every day the company carry out tea