Working Groups / Discussion Panels

Working Groups – Discussion panels (WG-DP)
Athens Conference 2025 hosts working groups-discussion panels where invited practitioners, theorists, teachers and other experts with experience in the relevant fields will discuss issues related to Conference topics.
Each group will have 2 hours and will be moderated by a Coordinator. 
Critical commentators will also be appointed.
Participants are expected to contribute in the discussion.
 

The discussion in Working Groups aims to give the opportunity to participants (academics, artists, educators and educational or cultural policy designers) to comment and contribute with views-proposals from the field of theory, research and the arts, so that there is meaningful dialogue and exchange of views and "good practice". 
The Working Groups/Discussion panels take place "in parallel" (in the same time zone) in different rooms.
Places in eack Working Group are LIMITED. Those who have already completed their registration to the Conference can (if they wish) register for a Working Group.


 

 

Issues of theatrical representation of the otherness: Τhe case of Roma

Athens, 22/03/2025, Conference Working Group, coordinated by Eleni Tsetsekou, Christina Zoniou

Event date: 3/22/2025 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Export event

Issues of theatrical representation of the otherness: Τhe case of Roma

 

WORKING GROUP / DISCUSSION PANEL

Athens International Conference “Theatre/Drama & Inclusive Education”

Athens 22 March 2025

Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr)

Language: English

 

Coordinators: Eleni Tsetsekou, Head of the Council of Europe - Roma and Travelers Division & Christina Zoniou, theatre researcher - practitioner, Teaching Staff at the Department of Theatre Studies, University of the Peloponnese Greece.
 

Guests
Franziska Frakas, Romani-Hungarian actress and theatre maker, Hungary
Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, anthropologist and a Roma activist, deputy director of ERIAC, Poland
Christoph Leucht, sociologist, co-founder of Kuringa Space for Theatre of the Oppressed, Germany
Giannis Georgiou, Romani social scientist on history and identity of Greek Roma and their representation, Greece
Aktina Stathaki, theatre researcher- director, Greece

Comentators:
Anna Tsichli, Teaching Staff at the Department of Theatre Studies, University of the Peloponnese Greece
Antigoni Tsarbopoulou, teacher, consultant of “It Could be me-it could be you” project.

Questions of the working group:

The role of Roma people in contemporary theatre has been a subject of exploration in various countries, including Germany, Hungary, and Greece. Numerous plays and theatre projects have emerged where Roma actors play or Roma characters are represented on stage, sparking discussions on culture, identity, and the social issues facing the Roma community. Through such theatre initiatives, we have the opportunity to foster self-expression, challenge stereotypes, and build a future where Roma people can embrace their identity without fear or shame, while also encouraging broader societal understanding and respect.

Many questions arise: what do theatre artists aim to represent when telling stories about Roma people? Is it an exploration of culture, social exclusion, otherness, or an attempt to depict Roma as just like everyone else, as part of a broader narrative of "normality"? One critical aspect of such works is who is telling the story. Are Roma people merely subjects of others' narratives or are they active participants in telling their own stories?

Theatre projects "about Roma" often seek to address deeper questions surrounding identity, but this raises a pivotal concern: what does it truly mean to be Roma? Is it merely a portrayal of otherness, or are we seeking to explore the complexities of Roma identity in a more meaningful way? As artists, teachers and practitioners, we must ask ourselves: are we truly trying to show Roma culture and experiences, or are we, perhaps unconsciously, reinforcing perceptions of "difference"?

An essential consideration is for whom we create these plays. What emotions do we want to elicit from the audience? Should they feel guilty, sad, or pity for Roma people? Or do we want to engage them in a way that prompts curiosity, interest, and deeper questioning? The challenge lies in striking a balance between showcasing the hardships Roma communities face and celebrating their strength and resilience.

Should we depict Roma as victims of discrimination and social exclusion? While acknowledging the harsh realities of discrimination is important, there is a growing call to empower Roma individuals, especially the youth, to embrace their identity with pride. Theatre can serve as a platform for young Roma people to celebrate their "romanity"—their Roma identity—and counteract the narrative of victimhood.

Theatre has the power to be a tool for both self-expression and social change, and part of that power lies in empowering young Roma to protect themselves from discrimination. Theatre, as a means of education, can provide a safe space where Roma youth learn to confront prejudice and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Finally, a significant challenge lies in sharing theatre skills with Roma individuals, especially young Roma, who are part of these plays. By offering these "means of production" to young Roma, we not only help them represent their own stories but also ensure that the voices of future generations remain vital and authentic within the arts.

SATURDAY 22/3/2025 16.00-18.00

 

1. "Visible and invisible gender based discrimination in the educational environment: Exploring the gender dimension of inclusion"
Language Greek
Coordinators: Nadia Kati, teacher, theatre pedagogue, adult educator, Greece & Hara Tsoukala, teacher, theatre pedagogue, Greece
Guests:
Virginia Xythali, Psychologist, Holistic Gender and Sexuality Educator, member of the Bloom|Sexuality Education for Everyone Project, Greece
Elena Skarpidou, Sex Education Trainer, Head of Colorful School Education Sector, member of Intersex Greece 
Christina Krithari, theatrologist, director, actress, coordinator of the project Without Pattern/ Sans Patron (TENet-Gr)
Kleonike Yannakopoulou, clinical Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist, board member of Proud Parents Greece
Commentators: Betty Giannouli, Department of Early Childhood Education, Athens University & Dimitris Mavreas, teacher, theatre pedagogue, Greece
READ MORE HERE

2. “Issues of theatrical representation of the otherness: the case of Roma people” 
Language: English
Coordinators: Eleni Tsetsekou, Head of the Council of Europe - Roma and Travelers Division & Christina Zoniou, theatre researcher - practitioner, Teaching Staff at the Department of Theatre Studies, University of the Peloponnese Greece.
Guests:
Franziska Frakas, Romani-Hungarian actress and theatre maker, Hungary
Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, anthropologist and a Roma activist, deputy director of ERIAC, Poland
Christoph Leucht, sociologist, co-founder of Kuringa Space for Theatre of the Oppressed, Germany
Yiannis Georgiou, Greek-Rom social scientist on history and identity of Roma/Gypsies and their representation, Greece, Phd candidate. National Technical University of Athens., Greece
Aktina Stathaki, theatre researcher- director, Greece
Commentators: Anna Tsichli, Teaching Staff at the Department of Theatre Studies, University of the Peloponnese Greece & Antigoni Tsarbopoulou, teacher, consultant of “It Could be me-it Could be you” project. 
READ MORE HERE

3. "Identities, interculturality and performativity: challenges, contradictions, reflections"
Language: Greek
Coordinator: Despina Karakatsani, Prof., University of the Peloponnese – Department of Social and Educational Policy, Greece
Guests:
Glykeria Arapi, Sociologist, Consultant of the “It could be me, it could be you” project, Greece
Stella Elmatzoglou, Trainer in gender issues, MSc Gender-Society-Politics, Panteion University, Greece
Xenia Chryssochoou, Professor of Social and Political Psychology, Panteion University, Greece
Sophia Vgenopoulou, director, child psychiatrist, Greece
Vassilis Koukalani, actor, director, Greece
Commentator: Giorgos Bekiaris, theatre pedagogue, Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr) & Babis Baltas teacher, member of "Skasiarcheio" Educational Group Greece
READ MORE HERE

4. “Dogmatisms, Religious fundamentalism, politics and performing arts”
Language: English
Coordinator: Angelos Vallianatos PhD in Theology Athens University, school advisor, trainer for The European Wergeland Centre (EWC), Greece
Guests:
Freyssinet Bruno artistic director of Transplanisphere, partner in the Theatre Makes Politics Erasmus+ project, France, 
Ferah Burgul-Adıgüzel Assoc. Prof. Gazi University Gazi Faculty of Education, Turkey
Lutz Pickardt, director, theatre pedagogue BuT, coordinator of the Theatre Makes Politics Erasmus+ project, Germany
Marios Koukounaras-Liagis, Assoc. Prof. Athens University Faculty of Theology, Greece
Sanjoy Ganguly, artistic director of the Jana Sanskriti Center for Theatre of the Oppressed, West Bengal, India
Commentators: Hugo Miguel Coelho, ExQuorum, partner "Theatre Makes Politics", Portugal & Katerina Sakka member of "Skasiarcheio" Educational Group Greece
READ MORE HERE

5. “Inclusion of refugees in education”
Language: Greek
Coordinator: Alexandra Androussou, Athens University Department of Early Childhood Education, Greece
Guests:
Lefteris Papagiannakis , director of Greek Council for Refugees, Greece
Nadia Tsene, teacher, former Head of 1st Gymnasium Avlona, Greece
Pepi Papadimitriou, teacher, Refugee Education Coordinator at Ritsona Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) , Greece
Petros Charavitsidis, Assistant Professor Athens University Department of Early Childhood Education, former Head of 132 Primary School Athens, Greece
Giorgos Simopoulos, UNICEF, Greece
Galina Altouchova, Head of the Department for the Coordination and Monitoring of Refugee Education, Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, secondary education teacher, former  Refugee Education Coordinator at Skaramanga Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC), Greece
Commentators: Dionysis Pavlou, Refugee Education Coordinator at Lesvos Isl Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC), Greece, Victoria Koemtzopoulou Refugee Education Coordinator at Diavata Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC), Greece
READ MORE HERE

 

SUNDAY 23/3/2025, 09.30-11.30

 

6. “Shaping Public Attitudes Towards Refugees - The Role of the Media and the Arts"
Language: English
Coordinator: Stella Nanou, Head of Communications, UNHCR Greece
Guests:
Andreas Gruhn, Αrtistic Director, Stadt Theatre Dortmund, Μember of the Coordinating Committee of the "Theatre Makes Politics" project, Germany
Giorgos Pleios, Professor, Department of Communication and Media Studies, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Yolanda Markopoulou, Director, producer of the 'WALK with Amal" project in Greece
Fridoon Joinda, Founder and Director of Joinda Production, Refugee Rights Advocate, Afganistan
Naya Kalfeli, Adjunct Lecturer - Media Research Fellow, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki / University of Western Macedonia, Greece
Gelly Aroni, member of the Board of Children's Rights Network, Greece
Commentators: Jenny Karaviti, theatre pedagogue TENet-Gr, Garyfallia Anastasopoulou, Racist Violence Recording Network, Greece
READ MORE HERE

7.  "Towards an arts-based school: Challenges and experiences for the inclusion of Roma children”
Language: Greek
Coordinator: Katerina Kosti, Greek Language and Literature teacher and Drama teacher, Teaching and Laboratory Staff, Department of Theatre Studies, University of the Peloponnese, Greece
Guests:
Matina Vavouli, Primary Education Teacher, Director of the 7th Primary School of Aspropyrgos Greece
Anastasia Chatzistefanou-Vafea, Director of Schedia Center for Artistic and Pedagogical Training, Greece
Konstantinos Paiteris, President of the Hellenic Roma Association of Mediators and Associates, Greece
Eleni K. Papadopoulou MA Greek Language-Religion teacher, Head of 3rd Gymnasium Menemenis, Greece
Commentator: Avra Avdi, Greek Language and Literature teacher and Drama teacher, Greece & Popi Kyrdi teacher member of the Board Children's Rights Network Greece
READ MORE HERE

8. "Theatre Education in prisons: limits, challenges, perspectives"
Language: Greek
Coordinator: Giorgos Moschos, former Children's Ombudsman Greece
Guests:
Alkistis Kontoyanni, Professor Emeritus  University of the Peloponnese – Theatre Studies Department, Greece
Theodora - Doretta Asteri Counselor for Special and Inclusive Education at Piraeus Primary & Secondary Education Directorates, Greece
Ioanna Mitsika, choreographer, Greece
Stathis Grapsas actor, director, Greece
Pepi Orfanaki Principal of “Korydallos Prison” Public School of Higher Vocational Training, Greece
Zoi Mastrothanassi Vice-Principal of “Eleonas-Thebes Women's Prison” Primary School, Greece
Commentator: Dora Katsamori, researcher at "Democretus Centre", teacher, Greece
READ MORE HERE


9. "Performing arts, Education & Disability: challenges for artist, facilitators, teachers"
Language: Greek
Coordinator: Maria Koltsida, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Early Childhood Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Greece
Guests:
Maria Ioannidou, Psychologist/psychotherapist, disabled dancer, Greece
Vassilis Economou, disabled actor-director, Greece
Konstantina Georgiou, community artist, creative mentor, Greece
Eri Kehra, Theatre Educator, teacher in Special Education, Greece
Commentators: Antonis Lenakakis, Prof. Thessaloniki University - Department of Early Childhood Education Greece & Vera Lardi  Psychodramatist, Adult Educator, Performer, Greece
READ MORE HERE

 

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