In August 2022, the Network for Cultural Outreach (NCO), an initiative formed by the Alliance consisting of Clown Me In, YAZAN, and Yaraqa, embarked on its first tour to the Bekaa region. We invite you to watch the 10-minute video on Vimeo, with English subtitles enabled.

“This event brought us from the virtual space in which we all dwell now into an intimate space where you have to be very true with the audience, as it is itself true to you. Since we were in the street along with people, in their homes, there were sincere and beautiful moments that give meaning to the works.

What sticks with me is how an older man opened his 100-year-old house to us and to the audience – people in Rayaq had never seen it before – he was less lonely and felt proud to be part of this. Also, when audiences showed up from neighboring villages and said, “you brought some fresh air, come back!” – this is what I’m looking forward to.” – ROMY ASSOUAD, Director of Yaraqa, Creative Producer.

“True, Lebanon is small, but when we move around, we reach different communities, traditions, cultures, even if we’re from the same country, even if it takes only an hour and a half to reach the Bekaa from Beirut. During this short span of time, many things are transformed along the road: the landscapes, the architecture.” – SAMER SARKIS, “Clown me In”, Assistant Artistic Director.

“It felt sacred to present our play in Baalbeck. The audience was seated on mattresses or chairs, there was a great mix of communities. We felt that we were part of something larger than us. And the audience’s positive response, while not used to theatre at all, confirmed the importance of our endeavor. We were experiencing an exalted level of being, hovering above daily matters.” – CAROLINE HATEM, Co-Founder of YAZAN, Theatre Director.

“For us, the NCO is a very special project because of its political aspect, in that it states that we are staying and working, that we are reaching people – and as much as people around us are emigrating, we feel that this project is a means for us to anchor ourselves even better, which is crucial for arts sustainability in Lebanon” – The NCO Alliance.