Growing Up – Erasmus+

Growing Up is Hard to Do – Youth Exchange, Erasmus +
The youth exchange program “Growing up is hard to do” organized by the NGO Mostar Friedensprojekt E.V. in Bremen, Germany was completed with positive feedback from participants.

In this program, which took place from July 25 to August 3, the multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens, in addition to its participation with four young men and women from different parts of Greece, also participated in the educational process. By conducting two workshops using techniques of the Theater of Research, which for several of the participants were their first contact with the world of theater, individual and collective expression was attempted in relation to the objectives of the program. The workshops were conducted by Stevi Theodosiou, a trainee of the “Research Theater” laboratory.

In addition to the Greek delegation, participants from Germany, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia were together for ten days. They wondered, explored their boundaries, lived in the same house, learned to share space respecting each other, and came together discovering their similarities and accepting their differences. Starting with the exploration of the process of adulthood, this program was for many a transformative experience.

At the end of the program, the members of the Greek participation shared with us through a few words, their experience:

 

  • Adriana Maltezeanou

In this program entitled “Growing Up is Hard To Do”, we really realized that this is true. It was a terrific experience that will forever be etched in my mind. The people I met and the memories we created together are unforgettable. We bonded in a way that is very rare, it is something that does not happen often but this is the magic of Erasmus +. The workshops during the program were interesting and interactive, we learned a lot about adulthood, how to manage our failures, the LGBTQI + community, but also the experiences of other people I am really grateful to have shared.

  • Nikos Psarras

My name is Psarras Nikolaos and a few days ago I participated in the Erasmus youth + program “Growing Up is Hard to do” in Bremen, Germany from 25/7 to 3/8. For me personally it was a very good experience as I learned more about adolescence and In adulthood, I spent time with people I met for the first time and we exchanged ideas and opinions on many different topics! Overall it was a wonderful experience that I will most likely remember forever!

 

  • Anastasia Dalamaga

My experience in Germany was very good. I met people from the Balkans for the first time, breaking down some stereotypes in my mind. I saw Bremen with its beautiful gothic architecture, catholic churches and the lake. I learned about adulthood and its challenges and finally, I cried and laughed. So, I lived!

 

  • Nektarios Sougleris

Erasmus and Fabrica were in a village in Bremen for 10 days. 10 days very special, very special. I can not talk about this program and not get excited and not smile at the same time. The greatest gift that Fabrica gave me was that it gave me the opportunity to live these days with people from different countries of our planet and to attend the activities that took place during the program. What I learned from this program is that we are all so different and so same at the same time. Of course I can not thank our leader Stevi Theodosiou who made this experience even more beautiful !!! Thank you Fabrica for this unforgettable experience !!

 

[Thanks to Adriana Maltezeanou for the logo she created]

Theatrical Youth Exchange Program – Change

The multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens and the German Non-Profit Organization Mostar Friedensprojekt, carry out the 4th Theatrical Youth Exchange Program entitled “In and Out”.

“In and Out” is a program of youth exchange between Greece and Germany. It is supported by the German state and is a fundamental link of the Hellenic-German Youth Foundation. The goal of the Program is:

  • The creation and expansion of the relations of the new generation of the two European states through the art of theater.
  • The development of an artistic core of young people, who through the theatrical dialogue, will build a cultural bridge between Germany and Greece.

This year’s theme of the Exchange Program is entitled “Change – Change”:

“In a world where everything is subject to constant change, what is it that remains irreversible? One poet had written that “everything around changes and everything remains the same”. We, the protagonists of our own work, to what extent do we leave ourselves in the habit, in what is usual and to what extent do we find the strength to take the step of “Change”? Do we need this change and what needs to change? “Space and time may change everything, but nothing can.”

In this search for the concept of “Change”, a total of 20 young men and women from Greece and Germany will meet. At their side will be the trainers of Fabrica Athens,Fanis Katechos and Giovanna Michaliadi Sarti. In the educational and creative process will be used various techniques that follow and have been developed, such as the Research Theater.

On the other hand, participants will have the opportunity to expand their cognitive and artistic skills and contribute to various aspects of the program with their uniqueness. In addition, they will touch the cultural wealth of each country not only from an artistic, but also from a social and humanitarian point of view, which contributes to their personal and collective formation.

The program will take place September 1-8 in Berlin (Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte) and September 15-22 in Athens (Fabrica Theater Stage). The selected participants need to attend both parts of the program. Adults up to 30 years old, with an interest in the art of theater, professionals or not, can apply.

Those interested are kindly requested to send an application form to researchtheater@gmail.com, which includes the following:
  • Subject: Change – Application Form
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Reason you wish to participate in the program.
  • Photo Portrait

Contact Information: telephone, email address

Applications will be accepted until Sunday 18 August. The answers will be given until Tuesday, August 20. For more information about the “Change” Exchange Program and Fabrica Athens you can contact the above email address or visit our website www.fabricaathens.gr.

Youth Exchange – European Cultural Heritage

The experience of the Youth Exchange “Connection with the European Cultural Heritage”.
One month after the completion of the Erasmus + Program, Fabrica Athens asks the participants of the Greek delegation about their experience in the Youth Exchange.

The Youth Exchange Program was organized by the Turkish organization Limit Gokyuzunde. Among the numerous and varied activities of the Program, the multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens undertook the artistic training of the participants. The theme was approached through theatrical techniques, which led to the creation of a dance flash mob. The artwork was unveiled at Ankara’s largest department store, CEPA. There, a promotional bench for Erasmus + followed, where the results of the program and the experiences experienced by the participants were presented.

This experience after a month was shared with the people of Fabrica Athens by the young people who participated with the Greek mission. Wanting to convey their thoughts, feelings and experiences as they are, below you can read the entire texts they submitted.

How 10 days of intensive artistic and educational activities recorded in the body, the mind and in the life of young people in general? How do you experience and record the shared experience differently? A few words from those who dedicated themselves and traveled to neighboring Turkey.

Anna Maria

For me, Erasmus + was an unprecedented experience. It was the first time I participated in a European program with young people my age from different countries and I really feel it was the (so far) best experience of my life. I believe that the whole team bonded very nicely through the activities, the discussions but also from the will of the people themselves to know each other and this is the most important thing I gained from this experience. It is very important to know people who have the desire and the mood to socialize, bond and develop relationships with different people, strangers and finally through a series of activities to create something beautiful together from scratch. This to me is invaluable and I feel terribly lucky to have had the opportunity to experience it and I will never forget that feeling.

Ioanna

Enthusiasm, joy, luck, curiosity, pride, teamwork, solidarity, love, emotion. Very little of what I felt, experiencing Erasmus + for the first time. To associate so many people, to gain so many experiences, to keep so many beautiful moments, to “live” so many friends from different cultures and religions. I do not hide the fact that it is a life experience and much more the best experience and period of my life. I had never thought that I could study the European Cultural Heritage in combination with Theater, dance, arts in general. The dialogue, the activities, the dance and all the trials are difficult but creative, and the result is completely satisfactory. Definitely one of the best trips I have made and would do again, without any hesitation. A journey of life.

Fotini

It was my first time participating in an Erasmus + program. A unique experience for me. It exceeded my expectations. The intention of all to meet, to actually share our daily life for ten consecutive days was wonderful. All kinds of activities and discussions of the program were really interesting and brought us even closer. The coordinators of the program were equally excellent, they gave a lot of love to what they did and that is why it had this result. It was a journey of ten unforgettable days. It was a very strong experience for me it gave me impetus and supplies and ideas to continue in what I want.

Call for Artistic Proposals 2019 – 2020

Open Call for Artistic Proposals 2019 – 2020.
Fabrica Athens Theater Group invites groups and independent artists to submit their proposals for the period 2019-2020.

The multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens completes 10 years of life and enters its new decade with renewed artistic and educational proposals. In the context of this new era, it announces an Open Call for Artistic Proposals for the 2019-2020 season.

The creative team

This year’s creative team of Fabrica Athens, consists of old and new faces. Stefanos Lolos, Fanis Katechos, Fenia Proveleggiou, Christos Karasavvidis and Giovanna Michaliadi Sarti will be the artistic core of the team. At their side is the active community of people who support the Fabrica Athens team (#fabricapeople, #fabricacommunity) from its inception in 2009 until today.

Call for Proposals

The Open Call for Artistic Proposals for the period 2019 – 2020 concerns artistic proposals, which can be hosted at the handmade theater of the Fabrica Theater Stage.

  • Theater
  • Dance
  • Performance
  • Children’s Performances

and any other kind of performing arts is welcome to complete next year ‘s artistic repertoire. It is important to note that the Call is addressed to independent artists and groups, who are either already established in their field or are taking their first steps in the art they represent.

Those interested in submitting their proposals can send an email with a Theme (Artistic Proposal 2019 – 2020) to the email address be.with.fabricart@gmail.com. Submissions will be accepted until August 20. In your proposal you are invited to include:

  1. Curriculum vitae of the artist or the group: Please include in this field previous artistic projects and links, where reference is made to them or which contain audio-visual material of them.
  2.  Short description of the proposal: Please provide a summary of your idea and the specifications it requires.
  3. Audiovisual material of the proposal: Include indicative photos and videos of your proposal. In case you do not have material yet, you are asked to describe in detail the aesthetics of your idea.
  4. Contact details: Please submit to the Responsible for the proposal (telephone, email address).

Only those proposals that include all the above conditions will be accepted. For questions or further information you can contact the above email.

Common Starting Point – Theatrical Group of EKKNA & KATKETH – 13/05/2019

The “Common Starting Point” A Performance of the Theatrical Groups of the Special Detention Center for Young People of Avlona (EKKNA) and the Center for Detoxification of Drug Prisoners Eleona – Thebes (KATKETH).
Stathis Grapsas is the inspirer of the Theatrical Workshops and the Personal Development Program based on the Theater. As Head of Workshops, he invited members of Fabrica Athens to support the preparation of the show.
The multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens writes about the experience of the show “Common Starting Point”:

 

The meeting and the joint performance of the participating prisoners in the theatrical workshop of Thebes and Avlona, ​​was an unexpected and unprecedented experience both for the audience and for the participants themselves.

 

Theatrical Group of EKKNA

 

The presence of the young people of Avlona was particularly imposing. It seems that the discipline and “limits” that characterize the theatrical education and the process they follow, reflect directly and liberatingly on their physical and mental maturity, while at the same time re-examining these concepts and their application in their own lives.

The perception, the generosity – the mood and the feeling of collectivity on the stage, but also in the preparation of the performance – rehearsal were remarkable. Features that may seem obvious, but which they never are. Nevertheless, in the case of these young men, the movement that has taken place in them through theatrical training, overcomes the signs of the experiences that each of them has.

 

Theatrical Group of KATKETH

 

On the other hand, the participants from the store in Thebes showed us, but also boldly confessed the importance of theatrical practice and exhibition. Through them they found and created space to rediscover themselves and accept it. An inner liberation that seems to have led them to set new goals and invest in dreams that are more about the “now” than the “moment” and the vague tomorrow. In addition, their contact with the children of Avlona was seen as a reminder to them and gave them the strength to support what they now dream of.

 

From a more artistic point of view, the participants, I dare say artists, were unusually present on stage. They were ready to serve their common purpose, setting aside anything selfish and transforming their personal testimony into a collective – humanitarian cause. In these invaluable three hours that were given to them for their joint rehearsal and performance and that were hardly claimed by their mentors – trainers – friends, the participants achieved something valuable. They were able to make a living testimony and tear down the invisible walls that existed between them and the spectators, revealing what unites them.

 

For the Personal Development Program based on the Theater

In addition, through the process of theatrical workshops and performance, educators and participants managed to find the theater a place in everyday life, as a sacred ceremony of a culture, and to go beyond the buying and selling of a product. Consciously or not, they produced morality with their transparent attitude and honesty on stage, and this is because when we face the darkness we can see the light that is always there.

 

In the end, the whole project was an occasion for union and the birth of questions. How can theater and art in general be a tool for life and how is life an inspiration and a tool for art? Why have we separated them? And how does art and specifically theater give life and find solutions, as nature always finds? K.o.k

Invitation to a Hearing 2019 – 2020

Invitation to a Hearing by Fabrica Athens.
The multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens and Lysandros Spetsieris invite actors and dancers to an audition for the new Production of the Director.

The audition will take place at “APO MICHANIS THEATRO” on Sunday, June 16, 2019. It is important to note that it will take place in the form of an open rehearsal with the other actors of the show and start time 17:30 strictly.

The invitation is addressed to women and men, actors or dancers from 30 to 40 years old. Interested artists are invited to be available from September 2019 until March 2020 for rehearsals and performances. To register your participation in the hearing, please send an email to be.with.fabricart@gmail.com with the subject “Listening June ’19 -’20”, stating your name and a contact phone number in the text.

Information

When: Sunday 16 June
Time: 17:30
Duration: 180 minutes
Venue: FROM MICHANIS THEATER – upper stage

Call for Participation – “Growing Up is Hart to Do”

Invitation to participate in the Erasmus + Program “Growing Uo is Hard to Do”.
The multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens invites young people from all over Greece to participate in the Youth Exchange Program “Growing Up is Hard to Do”. The European Program is organized by the German organization Monstar Friedensprojekt and is funded by Erasmus + “Youth in Action”.

From 25 July to 3 August 2019 young people from all over Europe will meet in the province of Osterholz-Scharmbek in Niedersachsen, Germany to explore the process of coming of age. There they will have the opportunity to present and discuss their thoughts on the subject of adolescence. In addition, they will come into contact with various scientific theories that approach adulthood and learn to manage prejudices and social concepts that everyone is confronted with. Also, the disadvantages of the adult process will be discussed, which sometimes cause minor inconveniences and sometimes leave significant trauma.

Within 15 days, participants will meet the following objectives:
  • Understanding and finding the way of formulating the personal perception of each participant about adulthood and the difficulties of maturation understandably and clearly.
  • Recording of the acquired knowledge during the program and the discussions with the invited specialists.
  • Recording of personal and group strategies that young people will develop on the subject of adult management.
  • Creation of a daily blog that will contain the above recordings.
  • Creation of an online manual that will contain what they have learned and experienced the days of the program.
  • Organization of a public event, where the results of the Youth Exchange will be presented in the form of an exhibition and open discussion with the invited public and visitors.

It is important to note that young people will come into contact with concepts derived from the sciences of psychology, medicine, biology, the arts, humanities, sociology and ethnology. Through them, they will be able to talk openly about their own experiences of isolation, frustration and exclusion during adulthood, while being able to distinguish between mood swings, depression and mental illness.

Through these processes participants will develop new skills, such as:
  • Familiarity with creating an online manual.
  • Improvement of writing skills, taking photos and editing them.
  • Creation of video-blog and learning practical ways to expand their influence in society.
  • Presentation of the results of a youth exchange as well as the transmission of the acquired knowledge to other young people.

The Youth Exchange “Growing Up is Hard to Do” is aimed at young people from 17 to 25 years old. Applications will be accepted from 10 to 30 June. Those interested in participating can send an email with the subject “Growing Up” to researchtheater@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted that will include all the following information: Curriculum vitae, Photo, Reason for Participation as well as contact details (phone and contact email).

Make art, Not Walls – Open Call

Make Art, not Walls – We Build Art, Not Walls

Starting with the phrase – idea “Make Art, not Walls” the multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens collaborates once again with the organization Mostar Friedensproject. The Theatrical Organization invites young people from all over the country to participate in the eponymous summer Youth Exchange.

The European Youth Exchange Program “Make Art, not Walls” is funded by the Erasmus + Program. It will take place from 7 to 16 August in Kljuc, Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the organizer’s premises. The theme of the program is the following question:

Can a small step encourage a group of young people to find solutions and make the “domino” move to change for a better world?

Within 10 days, participants from 7 European countries (Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Greece, Moldova, Portugal, Ukraine) will approach the topic together with the program coordinators. The use of theatrical techniques, creative activities, as well as through guided discussions will create a protected and group environment, where young people will be able to express themselves freely and creatively. The program will conclude with a street theater performance and a photo exhibition by the participants themselves.

The Program is aimed at young people between 18 and 30 years old. Participation in the Youth Exchange, accommodation, food and transportation to and from Kljuc is free. Participants are invited to purchase their airline tickets, the amount of which will be refunded by the German organizing agency.

Those interested in participating can email “Make Art, not Walls” to researchtheater@gmail.com. Please send your CV, a recent photo, the reason you wish to participate in the program and your contact details (phone, email). Applications will be accepted from 1 to 30 June.

A few words about the Exchange Program
Purpose:
  • Understanding the terms radicalization, discrimination, racism, nationalism, etc.
  • The approach of the above concepts through the arts.
  • The submission of experiences, thoughts and ideas by the participants, towards the development of tolerance, understanding and finding creative solutions.

Specific goals:
  • The contribution of the unit and its uniqueness to the whole, but also the ways in which the team supports the individual.
  • Encouraging young people to work as a team, find solutions and take initiatives.
  • Cultivation of finding creative ways to resolve social issues and encourage their implementation.
  • Understanding the importance of small steps and the impact they have on the whole and on time.

 

Expected results:
  • The optimization of social conditions.
  • Creating a “domino” movement to change the world for the better.
  • Understanding that no one is alone.
  • The creation of a show that will bring the participants together.
  • Understanding that fanaticism and extreme behaviors have an adverse effect on the whole and the unit.

Seminar at Theater 104 – The Narrative Body

Seminar at Theater 104 with Fanis Katechos on February 16, 2019.

The Seminar “The Narrative Body” with Fanis Katechos took place at Theater 104 and was the 2nd collaboration of Fabrica Athens with the Panhellenic Network for Theater in Education.

Based on the connections between body, sound, imagination, psychosynthesis and environment, the seminar “The Narrative Body” comes to ask questions.

  • How can we isolate them, explore them and then reconstruct them?
  • How can a “visceral” connection with the public be created?
  • When does the body begin to tell a story?

During the five-hour workshop:

  • Emphasis was placed on creating a group ritual way of working.
  • we approached with the surreal physical everyday.
  • We woke up the intuitive body.
  • We increased the sensitivity of sight and hearing.
  • We expanded the horizon of imagination.
  • We redefined our function within the whole and the power of collective energy.
  • We entered the process of detecting our true sound and the power of silence.

Through the whole and each as a unit we tried to discover our limits, to break them and to recreate new ones. We found ourselves playing with balance and imbalance and got out of our safety belts so that we could discover something that already exists within us but is forgotten.

The availability of the teachers who participated in the seminar was touching, giving signs of change and fresh mood in the field of education. In addition, important and unexpected was the direct effect of the seminar on the participants, offering them rejuvenation and new material to study for the use of theater in education.

“European Cultural Heritage” – Call for Participation

Connection with the European Cultural Heritage
On the occasion of the theme “European Cultural Heritage” the multiactive Art Group Fabrica Athens collaborates for the 2nd year with the Limit Gokyuzu Organization.
The Theatrical Group contributes to the artistic and educational context of the Youth Exchange organized by the Turkish Organization and invites young people from all over the country to participate with the Greek delegation.

The European Erasmus + program “Make a Connection with European Cultural Heritage” will take place from 11 to 21 April in Ankara, Turkey. There, 30 young people from Spain, Greece, Estonia, Romania, Turkey and Great Britain will meet.

With the use of various techniques from the theater, the arts (video, dance) the social and humanities and with creative games the participants will come in contact with the theme of the Exchange. Nine days full of actions, discussions, creation will be completed with a flash mob inspired by the testimonies of young people.

The Youth Exchange “Connection with the European Cultural Heritage” is addressed to those who are interested in the approach and discovery of the European Cultural Heritage from the alternative point of view of the arts and Erasmus +. Applications can be made by young people between the ages of 18 and 30. Applications will be accepted until February 17.

Participation in the Exchange Program, accommodation, food and transportation costs to and from Ankara are free. Participants are asked to pay a token amount of 10 euros and buy their airline tickets, the amount of which will be refunded by the organizing agency.

Those interested can send an email on “Cultural Heritage” to jmichasa@gmail.com. Please send your CV, the reason you wish to participate in the program and your contact details (phone, email).

A few words about the Exchange Program

Purpose:
  • To discover together our common cultural heritage.
  • The participants should develop their intercultural skills through art and theater.
  • To discover how prejudices and spreads prevent us from developing harmonious relationships with people, especially immigrants and refugees.
Specific goals:
  • The discovery of the elements that make up our culture through gastronomy, history, music and art.
  • How they come from different cultures.
  • What is the contribution of immigrants to our traditions.
  • Promoting emotional education to promote tolerance in different cultures through theater and creative games.
  • Understand the differences and common elements in the concepts of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
  • Recognizing personal and collective stereotypes and prejudices we have about immigrants and refugees.
Expected results:
  • Conducting a campaign / demonstration to Stop the Spread of Rumors.
  • Promotion of the Erasmus + Youth Program and the year of European Cultural Heritage to the local population of Ankara.
  • Gaining awareness for refugees and immigrants.
  • Increase tolerance.
  • Collection of common traditions that we have in Europe.
  • More active youth.
  • Creativity, Personal and collective development and evolution through the arts.
  • Download on the SALTO website a manual related to the carried out activities and results.