Co-living Residence Training Lab 1

Training of trainers - Exploring Autobiographical Theater and Youth Mental Health was held in Limassol, Cyprus, within JANUS Project, at the SHIPCON headquarters. 

 

First week was dedicated to laying the foundations of trust, expression, and shared understanding through a series of carefully curated activities. Our days were punctuated by Circle Time, or what we affectionately call our "Tribal Plenary." This sacred gathering allowed us to share our reflections and stories eye-to-eye, fostering a unique bond and promoting empathy within our group.

 

Second week was governed by the words of director Domingo Ferrandis - "If you can't talk to a person , speak to them through art". In Autobiographical Theatre, our personal stories find a voice beyond verbal language, a voice that emerges through movement, expression and presence. 

 

The final part of the training culminated in a performance showcasing all the skills, techniques and personal journeys explored during the project. This performance aimed to be a testament to the transformative power of theater and the deep connections we created through shared vulnerability and artistic expression. At the end of the performance, we shared emotions, thoughts, vulnerabilities, and difficulties that we experienced during this creative process with the young people who participated in this event. The conclusion of the evening was that art can capture and communicate the complexity of these experiences, providing a powerful platform for empathy and understanding.