The core aim of JANUS was to build and validate Autobiographical Theatre (AT) as an innovative mental-wellbeing and social inclusion methodology for young people across Europe. Specific objectives...

The core aim of JANUS was to build and validate Autobiographical Theatre (AT) as an innovative mental-wellbeing and social inclusion methodology for young people across Europe. Specific objectives were: 1. To co-develop and pilot a transnational Autobiographical Theatre methodology that supports youth mental health, self-expression and resilience. 2. To train educators, artists, youth workers and therapists to apply AT safely and sustainably in their communities. 3. To empower vulnerable young people to transform personal narratives into creative performances, strengthening emotional literacy and social connection. 4. To reduce stigma around mental health through public theatre and community dialogue. 5. To create open-access educational resources (handbook, videos, digital platform, multilingual e-booklet, newsletters) for long-term use. 6. To increase civic participation and visibility of youth voices through public performances and the JANUS Festival. 7. To build a supportive transnational ecosystem connecting youth, artists, NGOs, universities and cultural institutions.

The JANUS project implemented a structured artistic and educational process addressing youth vulnerability, mental health, and inclusion through Autobiographical Theatre (AT). Key activities began with the Training of Trainers in AT, the Artistic Cohabitation Residency in Limassol, Cyprus (6–16 February 2024), where youth workers and artists engaged in somatic expression, storytelling, improvisation, fictionalisation, and collective creation. Partners then led the Adaptation of the AT methodology in Romania and Cyprus, evolving into the Co-creation of the JANUS methodology, based on Autobiographical Theatre. In 2024, the JANUS methodology was locally implemented through workshops led by SOLIS SRLS in both Romania and Cyprus, adapting the approach to local youth contexts. Further validation took place through Local Testing Workshops in Italy, Romania, and Cyprus. The project’s artistic outcomes culminated in the JANUS Festival (2–5 June 2025, Studio Theatre), where the project performances were presented, showcasing 3 original AT performances and 1 invited performance. The festival amplified youth voices, fostered empathy and dialogue, and demonstrated the power of theatre as a community tool for resilience and social connection.

The project generated coherent outputs fully aligned with the objectives and indicators in the Application Form. The project created a dedicated JANUS Digital Platform that functions as an open hub for methodology, resources, and dissemination. A core output is the JANUS E-Booklet, presenting the Autobiographical Theatre methodology in EN, RO, IT, GR, as a practical guide for youth workers and educators. The project produced 6 multilingual Newsletters, a Festival Leaflet, 10 videos, including recorded performances and training materials that document creative processes, methodology adaptation and co-creation, and local workshops.Nearly 100 professionals engaged with the methodology through surveys and pilot activities. A key result was the JANUS Festival of Autobiographical Theatre in Romania (2–5 June 2025, Studio Theatre, University of Arts), where 3 original project performances and an invited one were staged, engaging 300 in-person attendees. The project also achieved extensive dissemination and audience interaction through social networks - Facebook, Instagram, Project Website, expanding public dialogue on youth vulnerability, resilience, and mental health.