DECONFINING series: Cultural Dialogues between Africa & Europe

About the Series

This DECONFINING podcast series explores the complexities of cultural exchange, artistic mobility, and social transformation between Africa and Europe. Produced by Pro Progressione (Hungary) and Barefeet Theatre (Zambia) the podcast highlights the perspectives of artists, cultural practitioners, and researchers working to break down paternalistic and colonial structures while fostering new, equitable ways of collaboration.

The series is divided into two parts:

• Hungary Focus – Hosted by Anna Surányi, exploring cultural mobility, theatre, literature, and social change in Hungary.
• Zambia Focus – Hosted by Taonga Liwewe Tembo, featuring Zambian voices sharing experiences on migration, cultural exchange, climate change, and the transformative role of the arts.

Listen to the episodes below and join the conversation!

🎙️ Episode 1: Building a Cultural Haven – The Ottilia Solt Foundation

In this episode, Anna Surányi talks to Petra Verebics and Ildiko Csanya, founders of the Ottilia Solt Foundation, discussing their work in the Hungarian countryside, focusing on creating a cultural and social space that fosters community engagement and long-term artistic collaboration.

📩 Interested in connecting? Reach out at soltalapitvany@gmail.com.

🎙️ Episode 2: Women in Hungarian Literature – Past & Present

Anna Surányi and her guest, literary historian Györgyi Földes, delve into the role of women in Hungarian literature—when female writers gained visibility, how their contributions have shaped literary history, and the challenges they still face today.

🎙️ Episode 3: Theatre as a Tool for Social Change – Heart Sound Company

Anna Surányi talks with Kata Horváth & Zsanett Horváth about the journey and mission of the Heart Sound Company, a theatre initiative focused on community engagement and social impact through artistic expression.

More info available at: sajatszinhaz-szivhang.org

🎙️ Episode 4: Between Two Worlds – Living in Hungary & Tanzania

Anna Surányi hosts Songoro Fatime, one of the Deconfining project participants, who shares her experience of living between Hungary and Tanzania and discusses cultural differences, identity and different interpretations of the term “mzungu” (white person) in East Africa.

🎙️ Episode 5: Life on the Streets – A First-Hand Account

In this episode Taonga Liwewe Tembo talks to Mr. Mwila Nkhonde, who once lived on the streets, and who shares his personal journey, the realities of street life, and his work supporting vulnerable youth as an artist facilitator and outreach officer.

🎙️ Episode 6: Living as a Refugee – A Story from Rwanda to Zambia

In this episode Taonga Liwewe Tembo talks to Nadine Niyirema, who recounts her journey fleeing the Rwandan civil war and settling in Zambia. She discusses the challenges refugees face, social perceptions, and ways to improve support systems for displaced communities.

🎙️ Episode 7: Cultural Exchange Programs – Lessons & Challenges

In this episode Taonga Liwewe Tembo and guest Chisenga Kasolo, expert in developmental projects and cultural exchanges, discuss cultural exchange between Africa and Europe—its benefits, drawbacks, and examples of successful projects.

🎙️ Episode 8: Climate Change & Its Impact on Youth

In this episode, Mr. Victor Bupe, Chief Meteorologist for the Southern Province, reflects on how climate change is affecting economic opportunities for young people in Zambia and what can be done to tackle environmental challenges.

🎙️ Episode 9: The Role of Theatre in Community Development

In this episode host Taonga Liwewe Tembo and guest Mary Manzole, Theatre for Development expert, discuss the power of theatre as a tool for social change—how it has influenced communities in Zambia and the potential for using performance arts to drive impactful development.