From May 12 to 15, interactive theater performances took place on Bonaire under the title Stimá i Protehá. The series was organized by tei p’abo in collaboration with storyteller Archell Thompson and two talented local actors. The first session took place at Jong Bonaire and was specifically aimed at young people. The subsequent performances were held in the neighborhoods of Tera Kòrá, Amboina, Nikiboko, and Rincon to make it as accessible as possible for the neighborhood residents.
In total, more than 140 people participated. With the help of actors, a fictional but recognizable situation was acted out, based on real situations that occur on Bonaire. The audience took on the role of researcher. To immerse them in their role as researchers, they were provided with a so-called Case Lab Coat.
Themes such as sexual safety, protection, and boundaries were central. The performances offered a safe and interactive setting to discuss difficult topics that often remain unspoken.
The goal of Stimá i Protehá is to raise awareness and increase discussability. The audiences involvement was significant. Many visitors thought it was about a real situation, which shows how much the story affected them. At the end of each performance, the actors were taken out of their roles and it was emphasized that it was about a re-enacted situation.
Tei p’abo
Tei p’abo is a collaboration between aid organizations in Bonaire and focuses on raising awareness and making domestic violence and child abuse discussable. The initiative is part of the Administrative Agreement on the approach to domestic violence and child abuse in the Caribbean Netherlands. Partners within tei p’abo include Sentro Akseso Boneiru, Zorg en Jeugd Caribisch Nederland, Mental Health Caribbean, Stichting Reclassering CN, the Guardianship Council, and the Public Body Bonaire.