publié le 20.05.16
Alain Berset - Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs
Theatre has an advantage over other forms of art in that it is brought to life by energetic and expressive actors. Not only does this give it the power to arouse the audience’s interest, but also to inspire us to think and empathise – evoking yearning and hope, astonishment and distress.
Theatre is relevant because it tackles current issues in society and helps us understand one another. In Switzerland theatre also has to overcome language barriers. The Swiss Theatre Encounter is seeking to do so by holding this year’s third edition in the French-speaking part of the country.
Communicating across language barriers is particularly important for theatre because of its inherent attachment to a given language. That is why the federal government supports such exchanges and why all plays at the festival will be performed with surtitles.
The Theatre Encounter showcases Switzerland and its regions while rea stage. The international city of Geneva is therefore an ideal venue.
I would like to thank all those involved for their commitment. I am confident that the Swiss Theatre Encounter will take you on a voyage of discovery.
