The content of this project is to encourage the joint exchange of students and lecturers between Zurich and São Paulo. Through the development history of Praca Roosevelt – which used to be impacted by transgender prostitution and drug crime in the past, the close relationship with São Paulo’s lively LGBT scene as well as the scholarship programme for disadvantaged students, the SPTS has wide-ranging practical experience of including marginalized groups in theatre work and education.
Due to the national and international significance of the SPTS and ZHdK and the major differences that exist between São Paulo and Zurich on a wide variety of levels, the collaboration between the two institutions constitutes a broadening of their horizons, a transcultural exchange and a process of mutual learning from one another, from which both the students and lecturers as well as the institutions on both sides have been able to benefit immensely.
At present, work is being done on continuing the project, which has brought numerous students and teachers from both cities together over the last five years and has resulted in a wide variety of presentations. Based on a “telepresence tryout” in October 2019 (see video documentation), further encounters are planned which hybridly connect the rehearsal and teaching methods defined by physical copresence taught via telecommunication.