The project's main aim was to develop a theatre-based teaching methodology that would enable people to talk about climate change in a new way, raising awareness among participating young students and their communities. Theatre can also help to improve transversal skills such as self-esteem, creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Specific objectives: - Collection of news and issues related to climate change that interest/concern students. Setting up and testing a theatre-based methodology: Theatre experts conducted three workshops in three project countries, with the participation of teachers and students. Local workshops and flash performances were organised, with students and teachers in each country working on the issues using the indicated methodology. - Raising community awareness by performing in public spaces. These performances were recorded and used for dissemination. - Creation of a shared flash performance: Five Portuguese, five Czech and ten Italian students came to Italy for five days and created a flash performance together, which was performed publicly on 9 May 2025.
Climate change is a global challenge that is causing growing concern among young people, with knock-on effects for mental health in the form of a condition known as “eco-anxiety”. The VOCE project was created to give a voice to these concerns, offering students the opportunity to transform their fears and hopes into creative theatre performances, which stimulate emotions and a sense of belonging and participation. The initiative addresses the need of young people to understand climate information, develop transversal skills, and become active citizens, while supporting teachers with innovative, inclusive approaches. Thanks to Associazione Smascherati's extensive experience working with vulnerable young people, theatre has been transformed into an educational tool that promotes social awareness and responsibility. The school context was chosen as a privileged setting in which to disseminate values and knowledge to the next generation, with methodologies from the cultural sector enriching the approach. Experimental theatre in particular has demonstrated its ability to engage participants, stimulate creativity, and encourage reflection on emotions related to climate change and the future.