In the theatre of life

The goal of the project was to improve the emotional condition and social functioning of students with mental health problems as a result of the pandemic, to engage them in interaction, which was ...

The goal of the project was to improve the emotional condition and social functioning of students with mental health problems as a result of the pandemic, to engage them in interaction, which was to be confirmed by successful activities and positive feedback from parents and teachers. Based on scientific sources and research, we decided that theater activities could be an effective way to overcome social difficulties caused by isolation. The goal of the project was to engage schoolchildren from Poland, Italy and Greece in activities that trigger their openness, confidence, creativity and allow them to overcome loneliness and adaptation difficulties. We set a goal to prepare theatrical performances involving designated students from the participating organizations. During the mobility, students and teachers were to work together on theatrical forms, participate in theatrical workshops, exchange experiences, and thus - through the language of theater - overcome any social and communication barriers. The goal was also to open up students to a wider community than just their peers, school or family, showing them the need to open up to older people and their needs.

Recruitment for the project was conducted. During the kick-off, the partners' tasks and concept of work were discussed. A logo contest, partner country language courses and preparatory talks with a psychologist were held. Project participants took part in theater workshops, developed the concept of the performance, worked on the division of tasks. During their mobility in Greece, they learned about the history of theater at its origins and participated in workshops on creating ancient masks. Acting classes were held with. The young people visited the ancient Greek theater at Delphi. The joint finale was a performance staged at a community center for the local community. During their mobility in Rome, the students participated in workshops led by an acting coach, the results were presented during the final performance. They toured Rome in the footsteps of ancient theater. During the mobility in Poland, they participated in workshops at the Polish Theater in Wroclaw and attended the play CINDIRELLA at the Capitol Theater. There was also a final performance and excursions to Wroclaw and Warsaw “Along the Trails of the History of Polish Theater.” During the online summary, teachers from the partner countries presented their findings.

The activities undertaken activated students, teachers and parents confirmed an increase in students' self-confidence and self-esteem, their creativity and openness, and their ability to function in a group. Students enthusiastically participated in theater, language or integration activities, confirming that the project gave them the opportunity to open up and rebuild social competencies disrupted by the pandemic. The project was a kind of therapy and compensation. It also had an impact on improving English language skills and breaking down intercultural barriers, as confirmed by English teachers. Evaluation surveys showed that the young people appreciated the opportunities the project gave them to learn about otherness, openness, tolerance and intercultural experiences. For the teachers participating in the project, a great benefit was the contact with the education system of the partner countries and the opportunity to exchange experiences and implement them in their practice. With our activities we also effectively reached senior citizens, who willingly participated in the performances prepared by young people and appreciated their activation, while their presence and opinions contributed to the growth of self-esteem.