Professor of Theatre and Upson Chair of Public Discourse Craig Latrell is working with the in Marrakech, Morocco, to create a workshop intended to encourage re-examination of traditional masculinity in Moroccan villages.
It was created with Shannon Enders, production coordinator and academic office assistant for the Theatre Department, whose interests include theatre and social change. University of Pennsylvania student Ansh Jakatimath has also been involved with the project, described as merging theatre with interpersonal exchange.
Since returning to Morocco in June, Latrell has worked with Foundation staff members to ensure the project’s cultural compatibility. Their work included a weekend workshop with staff, followed by further changes and refinements.
According to a paper written by Jakatimath, one goal of the workshop is to provide an outlet for the open expression of emotions to help alleviate feelings of isolation experienced by many Moroccan men. It will travel from village to village and can be adapted to the needs and cultural circumstances in each.
Next, Latrell and the Foundation will take the workshop to the villages of Tafza and Achbarou to perform trial runs of the workshop, with the intention of further refining it after receiving feedback.
Posted July 1, 2025
