Lessons Learned from the JANUS Project

By Ana Maria Solis -SOLIS SRLS

The project JANUS – Youth vulnerabilities in a Europe without borders has been a collective journey that allowed us to experiment, reflect, and transform youth realities through Autobiographical Theatre (AT).At SOLIS SRLS, we have led the methodological development, with the authorship of Domingo Ferrandis, putting this approach at the service of young people facing mental health challenges, stigma, and loneliness

1. The power of self-narration

One of the main lessons learned is that when young people narrate and stage their own stories, they transform vulnerability into resilience. AT is not only an artistic resource, but also a pathway to empowerment, reducing isolation and fostering community.

2. The methodology as a bridge between art and mental health

Autobiographical Theatre emerged as a shared language between the individual and the collective. The stages of the methodology — trust-building, story collection, transcription, research, narrative creation, and performance — enabled participants to reframe their pain and turn fragility into creative strength.

3. Diversity and co-creation: an added value

The international consortium (Romania, Cyprus, Italy) demonstrated how cultural diversity enriches the creative process. Co-creation became an exercise in deep listening and mutual respect, confirming that AT is adaptable and effective across different contexts.

4. Beyond the stage: impact on daily life

The outcomes went far beyond the performances in Romania and Cyprus. Participants integrated the experience into their daily lives, reporting greater self-esteem, improved communication, and stronger emotional management skills. AT proved to be a practice of self-care and social connection.

5. A path with challenges overcome

The development of JANUS was not without challenges and complexities. Along the way, it was necessary to take on additional responsibilities and find solutions beyond what had been initially planned. These demanding moments reinforced the importance of staying committed to the objectives and the methodology, proving that Autobiographical Theatre can stand strong even in adverse contexts, delivering high-impact results.

As SOLIS SRLS, we reaffirm our commitment to continue developing and disseminating Autobiographical Theatre as an innovative methodology that bridges art, inclusion, and mental health. JANUS leaves us with one certainty: giving young people the chance to become the authors of their own narratives is a path towards collective resilience and social transformation.

 #AutobiographicalTheatre #ArtForChange #Storytelling #YouthVoices #FromVulnerabilityToStrength #ArtAndResilience #SOLISRLS #Domingoferrandis