SCENE 1.

We start the cultural evening with the four actors. They are all dressed up well; white blouse,
black jacket. I want them all in a separate spotlight, at the front. They are lined up next to each
other. In their hands, they have a paper with the following text on it, and theyre reading out
loud from the paper.
1.

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all
members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

2.

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have
outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall
enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as
the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to

rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of
law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

2.

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal
rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better
standards of life in larger freedom,

3.

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United
Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and
fundamental freedoms,

1.

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance
for the full realization of this pledge,

2.

Now, therefore,

3.

The General Assembly

4.

What the fuck is this?

3.

Well, that are not the exact words

1.

why did you gave us this?

2.

What are we reading out here?

3.

You dont know?

2.

No, actually I dont.

1.

Who does eventually?

3.

You really dont know what we were reading out loud here?

2.

Is that a bad thing?

1.

Well, I dont either, but I have a feeling it has something to do with freedom.

4.

Yeah. Freedom.

3.

Very good.

2.

But what were we reading out loud here? Just tell me.

3.

No. Just look it up on your phone. Google is your friend.

Actors are leaving the stage, position not sure yet. Choir is entering the stage and positioning
themselves. They perform their first song: May It Be by Enya. After the song is finished, depending on
their position on stage, they are moving towards the background, and the actors are entering the
stage again, taking the same positions as before.
Scene 2
3.

And? Did you find anything?

2.

Declaration of Human Rights

3.

Very good.

4.

I KNEW it.

3.

You didnt.

4.

Well, I was close.

3.

Okay, that I have to admit. Here, see:

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason
and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

4.

Sounds good.

1.

Oh shut up.

4.

What?

1.

Do you ever read newspapers?

2.

A spirit of brotherhood? Really?

3.

What about it?

4.

Yeah, what about it?

1.

Here, look at this (shows a picture of a war situation in a news paper, or refugees or
something)

2.

Or this one (shows another picture in a news paper)

1.

Every day, in newspapers, they show you that there are people not living in freedom

2.

Do you ever watch the news? Every day you can see that this world, this society, has nothing
to do with a spirit of brotherhood. Wars, refugees, corruption,

But then, why is there a universal declaration of human rights? And does that say that
everybody has to live in freedom?

Because it has to be like that!

1+2

But it is not happening!

But then, what is freedom?

3.

well

Everybodys watching to nr 3. He obviously doesnt have an answer and runs away from the stage.
The rest is following him

Actors are leaving the stage, choir is returning to their positions. One song is following. After the song
is finished, the Salsa Dancers are going on stage. After the Salsa is finished are, two actors
are returning to the stage. Lightning can just be a total. Not specific with spots or something,
but some warm, light. Yellow/red-ish, with light on the audience
Scene 3
Actors are returning on stage, with a big pile of papers in their hands. They look quite in a rush.
1.

So, because he (pointing at nr 3) couldnt tell us what freedom is, we want to try something

3.

Im sorry.

2.

In the next few minutes we are going to ask you some questions. Because we just dont know
what freedom is

4.

And because we need to understand the importance of the declaration of human rights, we
need to know what freedom is

1.

So. Who does know?

Audience keeps quiet

3.

See, they dont know either!

2.

Well, then at least, who knows the declaration of human rights?

1.

What is in there?

4.

Do you think its important? Why?

Audience member:

Yeah. I know the declaration and I really think its important because it some

sort of core, basic human rights. People must be able to live in freedom, and in a spirit of brotherhood
you called it?

1.

But do you think freedom exists?

Audience member

Yes, I do. For me, like, being able to just dance around my room while nobody

is watching, for me that is freedom. As long as I am able to do things I like without people judging me.
4.

Never thought about it that way

1.

Thats interesting

2.

So. The fact that I like to go down to the river in Switzerland, sing a song and nobody judging
me, can be seen as freedom?

3.

So

1.

Yeah.

2.

Thank you! Lets go review our responses boys! (to the audience: ) Well be right back!

Actors are leaving the stage. The choir returns for their third song., After that, the stijldansgroep will do
their thing. After the performances are finished, the four actors will enter the stage. Same
lightning as before, warm light. Yellow/red-ish
Scene 4
1.

I think I was four years old. Or five. I dont know, What is the average age you learn how to
ride a bike?

3.

Five. You were five.

1.

How do you know?

Just guessing.

1.

Well. I was five. I just learned how to ride a bike without those stupid training wheels, you
know? I lived in a cute village, my primary school was just around the corner so I always went
to school walking. It was prohibited to come by bike if you were living near the school. But after
school, and during the weekends, I went cycling. At first, my parents told me I could only cycle
in front of the house, just because they didnt want me to get lost or something. I was kind of a
rebellious child. I always had to wear those stupid wooden shoes, just so my parents could
hear I was near. Then, one day, my best friend came to my house. Do you think you may

cycle to the playground with me? The playground was just 5 minutes away, but never was I
able to go there by myself. I was always joined by my parents, just because of my, well,
mischievousness. A little bit afraid, I went inside. My mother was doing the laundry, my father
was working. It was a very hot day. My best friend and I went together. He was standing by my
side. Mum, can we cycle to the playground together? I thought I had no chance, and just
after I thought about giving it up right away, my mother told me it was okay. We could go to the
playground together. Without parents. I think that was the first time I really felt what freedom
was.
3.

I was born and raised in India and my take on freedom is particularly traditional. As a country that
had an elaborate colonial history, considering that we were ruled by Britain for over 200 years, the
freedom movement is dear to educational institutions and is particularly valued. I have spend hours
gaining insights about the stifling life and times back in the day when India was largely the reservoir
of resources for Britain. The painstaking stories about the inspiring men and women who brought
independence to the country is invigorating. As a citizen of a modern India, I rightly value the
freedom of choice as the most superior freedom of all. The freedom of choice has been
instrumental in driving the economy of the country to unprecedented heights. Yes, India is not very
systematic or developed and we suffer from some of the most acute administrative problems, but
we are the world's largest democracy! We dance, celebrate and grow through these problems, all
thanks to freedom. My grandparents have narrated countless incidents from time to time about the
horrors of the bygone, "slavery".

Actors leave the stage. Choir is returning with the orchestra. True Colors. After the orchestra is done,
they are leaving the stage. Choir is performing their second song, Roar. After they are finished, they
are leaving the stage. For the last time, the actors are coming on stage. There are again those four
spots, as in the first two scenes. Actors are walking towards their spotlights and going to stand in the
light.
Scene 5
1.

So?

2.

What?

1.

Well, do we know what freedom is?

4.

Sort of.

3.

Thats what I thought

1.

But do you think thats enough to justify a universal declaration of human rights?I still
think its quite a big thing to state the importance of human rights in a universal
declaration when it is so difficult to define freedom.

2.

I dont think you can really define freedom

4.

Agreed

2.

Does freedom exist?

3.

To some degree

It depends

1.

Thats a good one. It depends.

4.

I think freedom is just a feeling. It is dependent on experience, and what you think
freedom is. It cant be defined. It is just there.

3.

Thats beautiful

4.

Thank you.

1.

So what about that declaration?

2.

Yeah, what about it?

3.

I have to admit. Those are just words. Beatiful words for something that cannot be
realised in such a universal way

4.

But as long as we can do things we want without being judged, we are living in some
kind of freedom right?

2.

It can be that way for you, but fort hem (pointing at the audience) it could be
something else

4.

Jesus.

What?

This is difficult shit

3.

Maybe we never find out.

1.

So what?

3.

Youre right. So what.

Actors are leaving the stage. Final performance; Hiphop!

After the hiphop performance, every participant to the cultural evening is entering the stage again, with
balloons.