Due to the pandemic, the cancellation of the Edinburgh Festivals as a result, and the ongoing government restrictions, it was no great surprise that we followed suit and cancelled the 2020 summer school. It was the first time this had happened in our 74 year history, and as you can imagine, we were all terribly saddened. However, it was the right decision for the school, and all those involved, and we were optimistic that we would once again welcome students back to SUISS in 2021.
Despite all the obstacles, we managed to have a small cohort of students. Though it was by no means a normal year for us, the SUISS spirit prevailed, thanks to our wonderful students and committed staff. There were hikes up Arthur’s Seat, author readings, cinepoem competitions, late-night conversations about literature at our ‘virtual pub’, and so much more.
We also introduced an online course that ran parallel to the residential course option, which was incredibly successful. So much so, that we have decided to continue offering both online and residential course options for 2022. Not only have we found that the online course appeals to people who would not normally be able to travel to Edinburgh, it also allows us some flexibility in the face of all the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
Above all else, SUISS strives to connect students of all backgrounds and beliefs through literature (and a robust social/ cultural programme!), so the creation of an online course presented a new challenge. Read these powerful accounts from Juliana Del Rosso (Brazil) and Debjani Chakrabarty (India), and what they have to say about their online experience:
Juliana’s Story:
I came from Campo Grande, an almost rural neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Even
though Rio is a big city, it would take me at least two hours to get to the places where art was being created and shared: museums, theatres and galleries were not only expensive, but far, far away from my place. I am an actress, as I previously said, but I went to the theatre for the first time when I was 13. Then, when I was 15. Then, when I was 18. Only after that I was able to actually take part in what I had been dreaming about for years.
Theatre was, when I was very young, my impossible dream. Life and support brought me where I am, but it has never been easy. I currently live in São Paulo – this time, in a big neighborhood. I am a bachelor of dramatic arts trying to make a living in a country that doesn’t care about art and doesn’t give us enough money, time or attention. I have to work on things that I don’t like in order to keep on working on what I really love – theatre and cinema. All the rest, to be quite honest, is just something I have to deal with.
Since Bolsonaro became our president – a sad, sad situation -, things became harder for all of us. Part of the country is struggling to get something to eat; meanwhile, politicians are giving themselves more money. Theatres are closing their doors. Artists that I know went back to their parents’ houses or gave up on art forever. I can understand that, for I was almost one of them.
A few months ago, I was unsure I should keep on trying. I was having a hard time convincing myself there was something left for me in art. At the same time, I was telling myself I didn’t have what it takes to be a good actress, an interesting person, or a good story-teller.
Then SUISS came along and offered me a scholarship. And I remembered myself, being
13 years old and having the dream of going abroad. Suddenly I was back to the days when I would wake up really early, take a shot of burning coffee and live the experience of being in love with art for hours and hours. I felt alive, breathing and capable of finally giving my heart what it needs: the possibility of expressing itself.
I do not mean to sound silly; I mean to sound honest. I have been letting myself talk of love, of all kinds of love, since Jo Clifford’s play and speech. I cried for hours after meeting her, even though we were an ocean away from each other. This is one of the things I would never be able to do if SUISS had not offered me such an opportunity. For this and much more, I am truly grateful.
After SUISS – and after all the experiences that have been happening in my life since the summer school believed in me -, I feel that I am able to do something great. Time to change the
world, I guess. Finally.
Debjani’s Story:
