FemPem creative group: This is how it is in my world
13–15 March / Store scene / 19.00, 20.00, 19.00

This is how it is in my world is based on an artistic fusion of elements from the documentary genre and traditional theatrical forms. The four protagonists of the performance, who are feminist friends, narrate the story of Ramis, a young man from an ultrapatriotic group, and a girl named Janyl from a feminist community. Inspired by the story of Romeo and Juliet, they conduct a thought experiment reminiscent of Einstein’s theory of relativity and Shakespeare’s theory of love. The girls aim to either prove or disprove the likelihood of such a meeting and explore all possible outcomes of love.

Through their search for answers, it becomes evident that each of the heroines is dealing with her own ambiguous reality. However, they all confront similar questions about life as women in Kyrgyzstan.

What will be the outcome of this thought experiment, especially when it reflects deeply personal confessions, emotions, and experiences? Find out by attending the performance. Meanwhile, we’re happy to share the recipe for This is how it is in my world.

Ingredients needed:

• 4 pieces of personal heartbreak (finely chopped and left to marinate)
• Patriarchy ground through a meat grinder (watch your fingers and nerves!)
• Peeled childhood traumas and grievances (you’ll find these in any cupboard)
• As filling: a defrosted Shakespearean play, whipped to a local consistency
• Season with music and dancing
• A pinch of poetry and prose to taste

FemPem creative group are a group of activists, musicians, and artists from Bishkek that have come together to create a major project that transforms their creative potential into action. This is an experimental-format performance with a feminist and decolonial message. Prior to this the group have organized marches, protests, rallies, and pickets, including the International Women’s Day marches on March 8 in Bishkek.

Eldana ElMurza is a prominent and pioneering blogger in Central Asia. She has united the voices of women through her blog, where she shares her life with humor and authenticity.  Zere Asylbek is a musician whose music video for the song “Kyz” became revolutionary in the feminist movement, not only in Kyrgyzstan but also beyond its borders. She is a feminist activist, musician, and theater actress. Saikal Zhumalieva is a director, dancer, musician, and multidisciplinary artist. She also runs her own blog. Aijamal Bekten is a musician, actress, poet, and feminist activist. Together, they have been working under the name FemPem since 2020.

The team also includes the renowned theater director Chagaldak Zamirbekov, who work across various theatrical formats. Additionally, the performance includes the two multidisciplinary musicians, Zuura Baisalova and Aigerim Mambetalieva, who bring their unique artistry to the project.