Zana Hoxha’s radical production transfers to FemArt Festival
A Radical Vision
At LAMDA, one of our core values is giving students the space and support to develop their own artistic voice, whether that’s a fledgling performer on one of our acting programmes, a technician harnessing the art of lighting and sound, or a burgeoning director looking to adapt work through their own unique lens.
This month, we sat down with graduate Zana Hoxha to chat about her experiences training at LAMDA and her recent European transfer of a powerful new play.
Zana is an award-winning feminist theatre director and has spent her career using art to confront social issues and spark change. Known for her work in Kosovo and the Balkans, she is the founder and executive director of Artpolis – Art and Community Center, a space dedicated to advocating for social justice and diversity. Throughout her artistic journey, she has built a reputation for tackling pressing global issues – gender-based violence, human rights and environmental degradation – through thought-provoking, boundary-pushing performances.
“I have been privileged to accumulate considerable experience in directing, devising, producing, and dramaturging performances in Kosovo and the Balkans,” Zana says, “as well as engagements with artists and organisations in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa-the creative wells from which my artistic vision and drive for feminist principles have been deeply nurtured.”
In 2024, Zana graduated from the MA Directing course at LAMDA, where her innovative approach to theatre and commitment to feminist principles were nurtured and honed under the tutelage of experienced director Caroline Leslie. The course provided Zana with the opportunity to expand her vision, sharpen her directing skills and collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds. It was also at LAMDA that Zana’s direction of Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again, a play by celebrated British playwright Alice Birch, took shape – a powerful production that embodied her artistic values and her commitment to deconstructing patriarchal systems through theatre.
A Bold Approach to Birch's Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again
Zana's connection to Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again was immediate. The play, which sparked fiery discussion when it was first published, resonated with Zana’s artistic and activist ethos. Birch’s exploration of misogyny, abuse and environmental destruction struck a chord, providing a canvas for Zana to express her vision of a post-apocalyptic world where women must challenge and redefine the rules that perpetuate injustice.
“I felt as if Revolt hit me like a ton of bricks,” Zana recalls. “I had been especially impressed by how drastically it deconstructed language, behaviors and other socio-cultural factors in the construction of womanhood. It’s a direct confrontation with patriarchy, asking: ‘What’s stopping us from doing something truly radical to change them?’ That’s a question I’ve carried with me throughout my career.”
As a feminist theatre director, Zana is committed to creating inclusive spaces where artists – especially women – are given a platform to challenge traditional narratives. For Revolt, she employed a collaborative methodology, involving the cast and design team in the creative process. This approach fostered an environment where the performers could explore the emotional range of their characters, bringing depth, vulnerability and power to the stage.
The production’s design also reflected Zana’s commitment to ecological principles, with set and costume designer Grace Rumsey focusing on sustainability, reusing and recycling materials for props and costumes. This not only aligned with the themes of environmental destruction within the play but also embodied Zana’s belief in the power of reclaiming, repurposing and rethinking.
A Collaborative Journey at LAMDA
This production of Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again was originally staged as part of LAMDA’s Greenhouse Festival at the Orange Tree Theatre. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it explores the intersection of gender oppression and ecological destruction through the lens of eco-feminism, a framework that links the exploitation of nature with the oppression of women.
Zana’s directing approach emphasised collaboration, with the cast, which included Olive McHugh, Tanaka Mpofu, Natalia May and Xixi Xiao. Zana worked closely with the actors, empowering them not just to interpret their roles, but to contribute creatively to the entire production.
“I felt incredibly fortunate to work with such a talented group of actresses,” Zana says. “Their depth and authenticity lent a powerful presence to their roles, while their creativity, talents and insights were invaluable. Each vibrant spirit lit up every scene. Together, we were not just colleagues but a supportive community pushing each other to new heights.”
The production invited audiences to leave their preconceived notions behind and actively engage with the urgent themes of misogyny, violence and environmental collapse. With a sold-out final performance and strong social media engagement, the production generated buzz and sparked critical conversations around its powerful feminist message.
Zana adds, “My mission as a director is to create an inclusive platform where every artist feels valued and heard. I am deeply committed to challenging and deconstructing the patriarchal processes that have long dictated the creation of art. This involves fostering an environment that encourages creativity and open discussions, ensuring that the voices of those historically marginalised – especially women – are amplified.”
A Dream Fulfilled: Revolt at the FemArt Festival
The journey continued when Zana’s production of Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again was invited to be staged at the prestigious FemArt Festival in Kosovo in September 2024, the largest feminist festival in the Balkans. For Zana, this transfer felt particularly meaningful.
“Bringing Revolt to FemArt felt like a dream come true,” Zana reflects. “FemArt is not just a festival; it’s a movement, dedicated to celebrating and promoting women’s voices in the arts and having built my career in this region, this opportunity holds special significance for me.”
With over 200 artists in attendance at the festival, Zana saw it as a vital opportunity to exchange ideas and build connections.
“As a CHEVENING and LAMDA scholarship recipient, I was eager for our audiences and the artists invited to FemArt to experience my production,” Zana says. “I hope that the artists involved found it rewarding to share our work in such a vibrant cultural setting, surrounded by a community that champions gender equality and artistic expression.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Zana’s directing career is a testament to her unwavering belief in the transformative power of theatre. Her work continues to challenge and deconstruct the patriarchal systems that dominate both art and society, providing a platform for marginalised voices to be heard. Whether working with young artists in Kosovo, collaborating with international theatre makers or directing productions that inspire action, Zana remains at the forefront of a new wave of feminist theatre.
LAMDA extends its heartfelt thanks to Zana for pursuing her training with us and allowing us to be part of her artistic journey. We look forward to celebrating all her achievements in the future and to experiencing the powerful new work that she brings to the international stage.
