The National Center for Culture and Arts (NCCA) implemented a project to promote a culture of moderation and tolerance through theatrical arts, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from September 2022 to June 2023. The project aimed to foster a culture of moderation and tolerance and combat violent extremism among Jordanians and Syrian refugees through interactive theatre.
Overall Objective: To build community resilience against radicalization leading to violent extremism through interactive theatre and media to influence the change in perceptions and attitudes regarding the negative impact of violent extremism on communities in Jordan.
- Increase youth awareness of the causes and impact of violent extremism using interactive theatre arts.
- Raise public awareness of the impact of violent extremism on society.
The project included the production and touring of an interactive play titled "The Fisherman," which aimed to promote moderation, tolerance, and counter extremist narratives. The play consisted of 56 performances and aimed to educate young people about the dangers of cybercrime and cyberbullying, equipping them with the tools needed to face these challenges.
Project Activities:
- 56 performances were conducted in schools, universities, camps, and community organizations in Amman, Zarqa, Salt, Mafraq, Karak, and Irbid.
The project had a significant impact on raising awareness among youth and the public about the issues and dangers of violent extremism. Through interactive theatrical performances, such as "The Fisherman," the project successfully educated youth on the dangers of cybercrime and cyberbullying while also instilling values of moderation and tolerance as means to counter extremism. These performances served not only as educational tools but also as platforms for open dialogue and critical thinking, helping participants change their perceptions and attitudes toward violent extremism. Additionally, the project contributed to building the capacity of youth to effectively face these challenges, enhancing their role as active members of their communities, capable of confronting extremist ideas and renewing their commitment to shared human values.