Turkish-Armenian Cross-Cultural Drama Project - former English Language Fellows to Turkey and Armenia

The power of theater to engage groups to build bridges and cultivate friendships across cultures and borders never ceases to amaze us.  

The EL Fellow in Armenia (and Traveling Teacher contributor) and EL Fellow in Turkey started discussing and planning a play that their students could present in middle-ground Georgia. The play material metaphorically represented the current situation as both groups arrived as "strangers" in a new town who ultimately cultivated lasting friendships. Both groups started rehearsing faithfully to prepare their versions of the play and a surprise ending. Regional English Officer (RELO) Frances Westbrook was very supportive of the project and worked hard to ensure its success. The play was presented at the Georgian Literary Museum to a group of English students, EL Fellows and the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) from the U.S. Embassy in Georgia.