As the Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training (LOST), in partnership with UNESCO steps into its third phase of implementing the social cohesion project, an event took place at Hekme Theatre, which aims at embodying social cohesion in the form of a theatrical performance. This project serves the purpose of creating youth role models who interact and work together to decrease tension, and promote a culture of peace. The purpose of this performance was to engage Lebanese and Syrian youth, in an effort to promote interaction between the two.
Illustrated in the performance are four Lebanese customers who regularly attend a coffee shop. These four individuals did not appreciate the weak customer service and the lack of cleanliness in the coffee shop. Therefore, they suggested to the owner that he hires an employee for cleaning and providing adequate customer service, in which the owner agreed and hired a Syrian employee, who happened to be a refugee. The Lebanese customers rejected the Syrian employee and began raising their concerns about Syrian refugees, stating that they are occupying all of the jobs in Lebanon, which led to them disturbing the employee. Consequently, the Syrian employee explained his situation, in which he described Syria as a beautiful country, but he had to flee to Lebanon due to the war. Later on, one of the customer’s sons had a car accident, in which the Syrian employee at the coffee shop donated blood to keep him alive. As a result of the Syrian employee’s gesture, the Lebanese customers changed their behavior, accepted him, and treated him with kindness.
As described above, the purpose of this play was to promote social cohesion between Lebanese and Syrian youth, which is the glue that holds society together. Promoting social cohesion is about striving for greater inclusiveness, more civic participation, and creating opportunities for success. This performance assisted in creating social relations between Lebanese and Syrian youth, which can lead to reduced tension. Through the artistic performances done by Lebanese and Syrian youth, an environment of peace is created.
