Coexistence Residence Local Training Lab

Between April-June 2024, Universitatea de Arte Târgu Mures worked with the target group in order to adapt the AT methodology. We used different approaches for each working session. 

 

We explored different paintings by artists who struggled with mental health issues and the students wrote down the words that came to them when they saw those artworks.Then we focused on Vincent Van Gogh's Sorrowing Old Man (At Eternity's Gate). The exercises we carried out with the students focused on intuitive drawing and writting, related to their emotions when they saw different painting.

Iusan Cristina (who participated in “Training the trainers” held in Cyprus) worked with the students and the emphasis was on expressing through their body various words they had on paper. At the end, guided by Iusan Cristina they linked their movements in a choreography that expressed their feelings.

We watched short videos from Euphoria, Mr. Robot, Brothers and Black Swan, discussed about mental health issues and how they manifest. The students came up with different words which they considered representative for what they watched. Based on those words, the students created stories to work with in our future working sessions.

We met with students and went deep into our personal stories. We shared our vulnerabilities, fears and anxieties in an attempt to find common areas. During summer we worked, either face to face or virtually to create the fictional story of our performance, based on our personal history.

 

Between May-July 2024, ShipCon started to work with the target group in order to adapt AT Methodology. 

Our group of Cypriot youngsters engaged in a series of creative workshops centered around autobiographical theatre, with the aim of creating our big performance for the JANUS Project. 

Over the course of three meetings, participants who already knew each other grew even closer, transforming the creative process into something organic and enjoyable. We used performance as a tool for self-expression and personal discovery. 

Through guided activities, participants explored both individual and collective identities, sharing stories rooted in their unique cultural heritage, family dynamics, and personal experiences. 

The workshops incorporated writing exercises, improvisation, and storytelling techniques, allowing participants to transform their memories into a compelling theatrical piece. Additionally, they delved into physical theatre and dancing, using movement to convey emotions and key moments in their lives. 

Now, as we look toward the next steps of the project, we remain committed to developing an exceptional final performance, working harder than ever to bring our shared vision to life.

 

Between January-March 2025, Fundatia Professional started to work with the target group in order to adapt AT Methodology. The Target Group was formed by six 16-year-old girls. The initial phase of the process focused on establishing trust between participants and facilitators as many of the young participants had not met before.

Icebreaking activities such as mindful breathing, group movement, and silent eye contact were used to create a sense of presence and safety. Participants shared stories reflecting common life experiences—such as joy, loss, friendship, family dynamics, self-doubt, and resilience—which were carefully recorded as told.

 

Facilitators supported the group in exploring the emotional aspects of their stories, identifying meaningful moments, and connecting personal experiences to broader themes. Together, they worked to shape the stories using dialogue, dramatic structure, and tension, while maintaining their emotional integrity.