In a local theatre school, 12-year-old Juliana St. Vill and her classmates find solace through screaming—a therapeutic outlet amidst the turmoil of gang violence in Haiti.
For Juliana and other children displaced from their homes and living under the constant threat of violence, acting serves as an escape. “I play whatever role they ask me to play,” Juliana shares, expressing her aspiration to become a policewoman despite her fear of dying in the line of duty.
Just blocks away from their rehearsals, a female officer with Haiti’s National Police was fatally shot on May 8 while defending herself against gang members attempting to kidnap her—a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in their surroundings.
Amidst the chaos, millions of Haitians struggle to rebuild their lives in a country grappling with political instability and escalating gang violence.
At the theatre workshop, workshop assistant Stéphanie François observes a transformation in the children, noting that many who were once reserved now express themselves freely through drama.
Eliézer Guerisme, the Programme Director at Haiti’s National Theater, emphasises the importance of providing a safe space for the children to relive their youth and escape the harsh realities of their daily lives.
Despite facing hunger and cramped living conditions in shelters, Juliana and her peers attend the acting classes, leaving half of their free meal for their families.
The journey to and from the workshop is made on a motorbike—a stark contrast to their previous lives in homes now replaced by crowded shelters.
Juliana reminisces about her former home, echoing her mother’s longing for a sense of stability and security amidst their current hardships.
As Haiti grapples with escalating violence and political uncertainty, the imminent arrival of thousands of police officers from Kenya and other countries offers a glimmer of hope for restoring peace.
However, the nation remains on edge, with millions facing starvation, homelessness, and a scarcity of essential supplies amid the ongoing crisis.
Caught in the crossfire are Haitians of all ages, uncertain about the country’s future and their own survival amidst the relentless violence plaguing their homeland.
