On this program

What is it like to make art or to be an artist in a country where making art is restricted by politicians?

Three artists share their views on Hungary’s, Panama’s and Singapore’s art fields and discuss the societal and political aspects of making art in countries where artists really have to fight against censorship and authoritarian power. Each of the artists have written or received a letter where the topic is the circumstances of making art from different countries.

Joining the discussion:

Bálint Barcsai is a theatre and film director from Budapest based in Helsinki, finalizing his studies at TeaK. Live music and documentary sources play an important part in his artistic approach to the stage.

Kharissa Newbill-Adames (she/they) is a Panamanian theatre director, writer, and queer performer from Panama City, Panama, currently studying in the MA Directing program at TeaK.

Chong Gua Khee (she/her) is a director and dramaturg from Singapore who insists on addressing heavy and difficult topics with pleasure, lightness and humanity.

The discussion is moderated by Jussi Sorjanen. Sorjanen began as Artistic Director of & Espoo Theatre in 2024, having previously served as Artistic Director of Teater Viirus and Teatteri Vanha Juko, as well as a director at Kajaani City Theatre. His productions have been widely seen across Finland, and the theatres he has led have received several awards, including the State Prize for Performing Arts (2013), the Theatre of the Year Award (2025), and the Suomi Prize (2025). He also has experience as a dramaturg and has been active in positions of trust within the cultural sector.