Friendship as a political act
Friendship is a deep and mutual bond between individuals characterized by trust, respect, and genuine care. True friendship fosters understanding, acceptance, and a sense of belonging, making it one of the most fulfilling and enduring human connections. Nevertheless, ought we think about friendship as a political act?
As a political act, friendship transcends personal connection and becomes a form of resistance, solidarity, and empowerment. It fosters spaces for dialogue, shared struggle, and collective action, enabling us to reimagine power, reshape social relationships, and envision alternative futures.
Friendship in contemporary dance
It is within these themes that "On Friendship" was conceptualized. This contemporary dance performance interprets friendship as a political act, using movement and physical expression to explore themes of solidarity, trust, and resistance.
Background
“On Friendship” is an interactive contemporary dance performance that explores friendship as a way of life. It premiered on January 16, 2025, for four consecutive days at the Metropol Theatre in Tirana. The performance was accompanied by an installation and outreach events, and is periodically followed by publications that further explore the solidarity, trust, and resistance.
Acknowledgments
A performance and installation by wasbleibtkollektiv | Gentian Doda
Commissioned by and accompanied by an education and outreach program designed by: Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Tirana Office
Direction & choreography: Gentian Doda
Performers & collaborators: Rosella Pellicciotti, Fjorald Doci, Rafael Hoxhaj
Music: Cezar Aliaj
Costume design: Ardi Asllani
Installation supervision: Elton Koritari
Photography: Andis Rado
Design: Hina Shkëmbi
