Forward, forward, migrants! Stories of escapes and arrivals

At the Accademia Teatro Dimitri, 12 students studying for the Bachelor of Arts in Physical Theatre collaborated with refugees and asylum seekers from Ticino on a performance titled "Avanti, Avanti Migranti." Directed by Volker Hesse and choreographer Andrea Herdeg, the performance uses physical theater to tell stories of migration, escape, and arrival, and to explore alternative modes of communication through the body and movement. The students have previously collaborated with organizations such as SOS Ticino, and the new project involves more than 15 refugees. The work also uses Aref Hamza's poetry to enrich the narratives and utilizes techniques such as music, scenography, and choreography to create a universal language of experience and emotion.

The staff involved in the project includes:

• Directed by: Volker Hesse

• Choreography: Andrea Herdeg

• Music: Alessandro La Rocca

• Poems: Aref Hamza

• Lights and sound: Elia Albertella

• Technique: Ricki Maggi and Elia Albertella

• Assistant director and playwright: Lia Schädler and Frank Wünsche

• Coordination and collaboration on dramaturgy: Ruth Hungerbühler

The performers include both academy students and refugees, including Patrice Bussy, Virginia Cassina, Ettore Chiummo, and many others.