What happens when society’s hierarchies vanish and we are forced into the uncomfortable but potentially magical “in-between”? Anthropologist Victor Turner called this state Communitas – a temporary, unstructured phase born within liminal spaces where individuals drop their societal masks and connect as absolute equals.
In my new video, we explore the potent intersection of academic theory, global crisis, and personal narrative. Click on picture below:
The Core Research of my studies at UVic: The Liminal World Project
In 2020, the global pandemic forced millions into physical confinement. Yet, it simultaneously birthed a rare, cross-cultural liminal space. To explore how human beings express authenticity and mutual support during times of transition, I launched the Liminal World project.
The study examined:
- 23 Deep-Dive Interviews spanning participants from Canada to Europe.
- A Vibrant Tapestry of Fields: Healthcare workers, corporate technicians, admins, and freelance artists.
- Complex Cultural Identities: Over 12 distinct ethnic backgrounds, including individuals navigating multi-layered cultural lineages.
The data revealed a profound truth: sharing authentic personal narratives allows audiences to look past surface appearances and recognize the shared human struggle, longing, and aspiration beneath.
Filmed on location at the iconic Whistler Olympic Village, this piece reflects on the vision of Olympic creator Pierre de Coubertin. The Olympic Games are more than a fierce competition – they are a designed liminal space meant for global friendship and solidarity. When we step into true communitas, standing out as a unique individual doesn’t threaten the team; it strengthens it.
If you are living in a cross-cultural community, how are you showing up? How deeply do you understand your own roots? Are you acting as an authentic ambassador for your nation? And how are you contributing to our global team? Watch the full video above, and share your perspective in our comments section below it.
Nataša Ċeċez-Sekuliċ 