30r364 boek.qxd:awards book 11 - Prince Claus Fund

Metis Performance from Nepal to MexicoAccording to ancient texts, the Metis are people of the third nature(the first two natures being male and female). Historically their role inNepalese society included dancing at religious ceremonies, blessingnewborns and newlyweds, and entertaining at court. Today they arediscriminated against, marginalised, and many are forced into sex work.In 2008, in collaboration with the Blue Diamond Society which providesadvocacy and human rights services for sexual minorities in Nepal, thePrince Claus Fund supported a troupe of Metis to perform their uniquerepertoire of dance and drama at the 17th International aids Conferencein Mexico City. Falling within the Fund’s policies of amnesty for cultureand intercultural exchange, this project enabled the Metis to make theirstories known to an international audience and to raise their profile inNepal. They also participated in workshops, learning skills that will helpin their struggle for recognition and fair treatment.MetisPerformancefrom Nepalto MexicoCulture and the Human Body125