Jean Liermier, Théatre de Carouge, wrote, "We practice Theater, this Art which allows us to better apprehend the mysteries and the complexity of human beings, with their strengths and their contradictions."
He goes on to say: Two weeks ago, we were happy to be together again, after these long months of struggle against the pandemic and its lot of suffering, pain, restrictions and frustrations.
On 24 February 2022, on our continent, after two years of hardship for people around the world, including those in Ukraine and Russia, war broke out.
As artists, we are humble "citizens/speakers" of a fragile planet with vital issues at stake, and we yearn for peace, to catch our breath.
With this message, the Théâtre de Carouge wishes to express its solidarity with the Ukrainian people, as well as with those in Russia who do not want this war and who suffer repression.
We support the lightforpeace2022 action and we will make our Theatre-House shine with the colors of the rainbow on Thursday evening, 3 March 2022.
And we are ready to mobilize, in particular by contributing to the reception in Switzerland, in connection with the federal, cantonal and municipal authorities, of artists fleeing the conflict so that they can continue their activity and by supporting those who have chosen to resist on the spot.
One virus chases another in the news, this virus so inhuman depicted by Aeschylus, Shakespeare or Edward Bond: that of war, WHICH WE DO NOT WANT!
Jean Liermier, 1 March 2022
Statement of the Union of Swiss Theaters and orchester.ch on the war in Ukraine
The Union of Swiss Theaters and orchester.ch are deeply shocked by the Russian attack on Ukraine. This aggression by the Russian leadership is a blatant violation of international law and cannot be tolerated.
The Union of Swiss Theaters expresses its solidarity and support for the free society in Ukraine, but also for all people in Russia who oppose the warlike actions of the Russian leadership under Vladimir Putin.
As a sign of this solidarity for peace and against the war in Ukraine, the Union of Swiss Theaters and orchester.ch support the #lightforpeace2022 action and encourage all theaters and orchestras in Switzerland to light up their houses with the colors of the rainbow on the evening of March 3.
Light for Peace
Starting at 20h that day, event houses, event venues, theaters and stages, corporate offices of service providers and selected locations will light up for two hours in the rainbow colors of peace. Using the hashtag #lightforpeace2022, participants are encouraged to share photos and videos of their installations on their social media channels. In this way, the event industry will send a clear, strong and international symbol through Europe and into the world in all ways.
The action is accompanied by a joint statement from the associations: "The network from Switzerland, Germany and Austria not only represents the interests of promoting quality, safety and cooperation in the event industry. As international, diverse, heterogeneous and open-minded as the self-image of the event industry is in its various fields, we act with a clear thought for peace in many of our endeavors. It is a privilege to be able to show attitude and we want to use this to express our solidarity. Solidarity with the people who are victims of political, physical and psychological violence worldwide and with all those who take to the streets with courage against aggressors. We believe in internationally valid values and work with everything we have and in the framework in which we can for democracy and human rights - with you and for you. It is our duty to say NO. NO to aggression, NO to war! We let the event branch shine - against war and for peace!"
#lightforpeace2022
Photo credits: ©Lisa Cirieco
