The International Project “Applying puppet show theatre as a common traditional art form to promote cross-cultural understanding between Russian and Estonian Youth" “Friendship has no bounds”
December 2007 – December 2009

The project “Friendship has no bounds” is implemented by NPMP “Theater for a Change” in cooperation with the Estonian State Puppet Theatre. The project is funded by the Delegation of the European Commission to Russia to support EU-Russia Cultural Co-operation Initiatives. The aim of the project is to extend knowledge of Russian and Estonian children and teenagers about culture and cultural heritage of both countries by means of puppet theatre productions on Russian and Estonian national traditions performed in Tallinn and Nizhny Novgorod.

In addition to going on tour (Theater for a Change – to Tallinn, the Estonian State Puppet Theatre – to Nizhny Novgorod) aimed at strengthening intercultural dialogue, each theatre will organize series of performances in their native cities.

After 2 years of the project being in progress 15 thousand teenagers from Nizhny Novgorod and Tallinn will havewatched the puppet performances, taken part in polls and further discussions of the problems addressed in the plays. Active and initiative young people will have the chance to join in additional events organised for volunteers by NPMP “Theatre for a Change” with its partner.

• The event conducted to paint out street walls with designs outlining the traditions and culture of the countries participating in the project. By the end of this event, many Nizhny Novgorod street walls will be decorated with bright colors.
• The event dedicated to the International Tolerance Day celebration and aimed at creating among youth tolerance and respect to native culture and culture of other countries, to people of different ages and ethnicity.
• A round table aimed at discussing the following aspects: community of the Russian and Estonian cultures, establishing international cross-cultural contacts to develop further experience exchange between organizations working in the same field and youth activism in intercultural dialogue.

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